Choosing to breastfeeding
Description of
the right
You have the right to be informed about breastfeeding. Your choice to breastfeed or not must be respected.
If you want to breastfeed, you must be provided with the best conditions possible and all necessary care.
If you want to feed your baby differently, you cannot be pressured to change your mind and choose breastfeeding. You must be offered safe alternatives.
You can change your mind at any time about how to feed your baby.
Several examples of situations
- You have the right to breastfeed whenever you want and at your baby’s request.
- You can demand that your baby not be given any other food (water, infant formula).
- You are entitled to help if you experience difficulties breastfeeding.
References
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: section 7
Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms: sections 1 and 44
Act respecting social services and health services: sections 1 à 5 and 9
Civil Code of Quebec: section 11