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Breastfeeding Your Baby8 1 1
healthpei.ca/publichealth
Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)Breastfeeding Your Baby
Table of contents
Our baby-friendly promise ....................................................................................................................................2Make an informed decision about feeding your baby .....................................................................................3Skin-to-skin .............................................................................................................................................................4Get off to a good start.............................................................................................................................................6• Signsofhunger• VitaminD
Learning to breastfeed...........................................................................................................................................8• Baby-ledlatching• Breastfeedingpositions• Latchingyourbaby
How to tell if your baby is getting enough breast milk ...................................................................................12Caring for your breasts ..........................................................................................................................................15• Generalbreastcare• Caringforbreaststhatarehard• Caringforsore/painfulnipples
Expressing breast milk ..........................................................................................................................................17• Howtoexpressbreastmilkbyhand• Storingexpressedbreastmilk• Travellingwithexpressedbreastmilk• Thawingfrozenbreastmilk• Feedingexpressedbreastmilk(bycuporbottle)
Caring for yourself ..................................................................................................................................................23• Breastfeedingandhealthyeating• Breastfeedingandmedications• Breastfeedingandcontraception(birthcontrol)
Breastfeeding in public .........................................................................................................................................25Breastfeeding after the first 6 months ................................................................................................................26• Breastchanges• Developmentalchanges• Teething• Nursingstrikes
Changes in your life ...............................................................................................................................................28• Returningtoworkorschool• Breastfeedingwhenyouarepregnant
Questions about breastfeeding ............................................................................................................................30Where to get help ...................................................................................................................................................32
Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)
Our baby-friendly promise
• Wesupporttheinfantfeedingchoicesofallfamilies.
• Weprovidefamilieswithinformationaboutfeedingtheirbabies.
• Wehaveapolicythatprotects,promotesandsupportsbreastfeeding.Ourstaffaretrainedtofollowthispolicy.
• Weinformpregnantmothersandfamiliesabouttheimportanceofbreastfeeding.
• Weencouragemothersandtheirfamiliestoholdandfeedtheirbabiesskin-to-skinasmuchaspossible.
• Wesupportmothersandfamiliestofeedtheirbabiesbreastmilkonlyforthefirst6monthsandtocontinuetobreastfeedaddingsolidfoodsat6months.
• WeworkwithcommunitypartnerstosupportbreastfeedinginPEI.
• Wedonotgiveoutinfantformula,bottles,nipples,orpacifiers.
• Wewelcomemotherstobreastfeedanytime,anywhereinPEI.
2
Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)Breastfeeding Your Baby 3
Make an informed decision about feeding your baby
Howyoufeedyourbabywillbeoneofthemostimportantdecisionsyouwillmakeasaparent.Thisinformationcanhelpyoumakeaninformeddecisionandbeonyourwaytogivingyourbabyahealthystart.
Breast milk is all your baby needs for the first 6 months. Giving your baby other foods or liquids before 6 months may decrease your breast milk supply and may affect your baby’s health.
Breastfeeding
Breastmilkwillhelpprotectyourbabyfrom:• beingoverweightorobese• boweldisease• coughsandcolds• diabetes• earinfections• SuddenInfantDeathSyndrome(SIDS)• somechildhoodcancers• theeffectsoftoxinsintheenvironment
Breastfeedingwillhelpprotectyoufrom:• breastcancer• diabetes• ovariancancer
Breastfeedingpromotesclosenessandbondingofmotherandbaby
Infant formula
Infantformula:• doesnotchangetomeetyourbaby’sgrowingneeds
• doesnotprotectyourbabyfrominfectionsanddiarrhea
• isnotsterile(powderedform)• isnotrecommendedforbabieslessthan2monthsofage(powderedform)
Challengeswithinfantformulainclude:• extratimeisneededtosterilizeequipment• mistakescanbemadeduringpreparation
Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)4
Skin-to-skin
Your bare chest is the best place for your baby to adjust to life outside the womb.
Immediatelyafterbirthholdyourbabybelly-downonyourchestortummy.Thefirsthoursofsnugglingskin-to-skinhelpyouandyourbabybondandgettoknoweachother.Keepcuddlingskin-to-skinasoftenaspossibleinthemonthsafterbirth.Thebenefitsforbondingandbreastfeedingcontinuelongafterthat.Skin-to-skinisalsobetterforbabiesbornprematurelyorbyCaesareanbirth.
Benefits for babies • breastfeedbetter
• crylessandarecalmer
• staywarmer
• enjoymorecomfortfromyou
• havebetterbloodsugarlevels
• areprotectedbysomeofyour goodbacteria
Benefits for mothers• breastfeedmoreeasily
• learnwhenyourbabyisgettinghungry
• bondmorewithyourbaby
• gainconfidenceandsatisfactioncaring foryourbaby
Benefits for breastfeeding• yourbabyismorelikelytohavea successfulfirstbreastfeed
• yourbabymaybreastfeedsoonerandlonger
• youwillmakemorebreastmilk
• helpsyourbabybreastfeedwhensleepy
Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)Breastfeeding Your Baby 5
Skin-to-skin is easy. Here’s how:1. Takeoffyourbaby’sblanketsandclothing.Leaveadiaperon.
2. Moveyourclothingawayfromyourchestandtummy.
3. Holdyourbaby,facingyou,againstyourchestortummy.
4. Youcanputablanketoveryouandyourbaby.
5. Enjoytheclosenessandbondingwithyourbaby.
Note:Babiesunder6monthsoldshouldbeplacedontheirbackinacriborcradleclosetoyourbedwhenyouarereadytosleep.ItisimportantthatcribsandcradlesmeetcurrentCanadiansafetyregulations.
Family and skin-to-skinYourfamilymemberscanalsospendskin-to-skintimewithyourbaby.Ifyouhaveapartner,planskin-to-skintimetogetherwithyourbaby.It’sagreatwayforyouandyourpartnertospendtimetogetherandbondwithyourbaby.
As your baby grows continue to hold your baby skin-to-skin.
Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)6
Get off to a good start
Breastfeedyourbabyimmediatelyafterbirth.Yourbabyisawakeandreadytolearnhowtobreastfeedduringthistime.Breastfeedingearlywillhelpyoutomakemorebreastmilk.
Inthefirstfewdaysyouwillproducebreastmilk(colostrum)thatis:
• thicklikehoney
• yellowincolour
• highincalories
• smallinamount(butallyourbabyneeds)
Asyoucontinuetobreastfeedoverthenextfewdays,yourbreastmilkwill:
• becomemorewhiteincolour
• increaseinamount
• meetallyourbaby’snutritionalneeds
Having your baby breastfeed well and often in the first week will help you to build a healthy breast milk supply.
Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)Breastfeeding Your Baby 7
Signs of hungerBabieswillletyouknowwhentheyarehungry;thefollowingaresignsthatyourbabyishungryandneedstobreastfeed.Yourbaby:
• makessuckingorsoftsounds
• putsherhandsinhermouth
• ismakingmorebodymovements
• makessuckingorlickingmovementswithhermouth
Donotgiveyourbabypacifiersorbottles.Babiesneedtolearnhowtosuckatthebreast.Ifyoumakeaninformeddecisiontousepacifiersorbottlesitisbesttowaituntilbreastfeedingiswellestablished,usuallyaround4-6weeks.
Vitamin DHealthCanadarecommendsgivingallbreastfedbabiesadailyVitaminDsupplement(10ugor 400IU),startingfrombirthtooneyearofage.
Breastfeed your baby when your baby is calm and before your baby is too hungry and crying.
Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)8
Learning to breastfeed
Baby-led latching is a natural and simple way for your baby to find your breast.
Baby-led latchingBaby-ledlatchingcanbeencouragedafteryourbabyisborn.Itisalsohelpfulwhenyour:
• babyislearningtobreastfeed
• babyisnotbreastfeedingwell
• nipplesaresore
• startwhenyourbabyiscalm
• sitcomfortablyandleanbackalittle
• holdyourbabyskintoskin(tummytotummy)onyourupperchestandbetweenyourbreasts
• yourbabywillstartmovingherheadupanddownlookingforyourbreast(thismaylooklikebobbingorpecking)
•supportyourbaby’sneck,shoulders,andbottomwithyourarmandhandwhileshemovestowardsyourbreast
• yourbabywill:
1.movetowardsyourbreast
2.findyournipple
3.pushherchinintoyourbreast
4.reachupwithanopenmouth
5.latchontoyourbreast
• itmayhelptobringyourbaby’sbottomclosetoyourbodyand/orgivesupporttoyourbaby’sbackandshoulders
•onceyourbabyislatched,youandyourbabycanfindacomfortableposition
Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)Breastfeeding Your Baby 9
Breastfeeding positions Therearemanydifferentpositionsforbreastfeeding.Herearesomebreastfeedingpositionsthatmayworkforyouandyourbaby.
Try different breastfeeding positions. Choose a breastfeeding position that allows you to be relaxed and comfortable. With all positions make sure your back and arms are well supported.
Cross cradleThispositionworkswellifyou:• arelearningtobreastfeed• haveasmallbaby
Cradle positionThispositionworkswell:• afteryouarecomfortablewithbreastfeeding
Football positionThispositionworkswellifyou:• arelearningtobreastfeed• havedifficultymaintainingalatch• haveasmallbaby• havelargebreasts• haveflatorsorenipples• hadaCaesareanbirth
Side-lying positionThispositionworkswellifyou:• findittoopainfultosit• wanttorestwhenyoubreastfeed• havelargebreasts• hadaCaesareansection
Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)10
Latching your baby
Getcomfortableandfindapositionthatworkswellforyou(seeBreastfeeding positionsonpage9).
Makesurethatyouarecomfortablewithyourbackandarmswellsupportedandyourbaby’stummyisfacingyou(placeyourbabyonhersideexceptinthefootballposition–forthefootballposition,placeyourbabyonherbackorslightlyturnedtoyourbreast).
Holdyourbreastinyourhand.Thumbisontopandfingersarebelowyourbreast.
Faceyourbaby’snosetoyournipple.Strokeyourbaby’slowerlipwithyournipple.Waituntilbaby’smouthiswideopenlikeayawn.
Bringyourbaby,chinfirsttoyourbreast.Hermouthshouldcoverlotsofthedarkareabelowthenipple(about11/2inches).
Yourbabyislatchedproperlyonthebreastwhen:
• hermouthisopenedwide
• herlipsarecurledout
• herchinispressedintoyourbreast
• sheissuckingandswallowingbreastmilk
Having a good latch will help you make enough breast milk and help your baby to breastfeed well. It will also help prevent pain when breastfeeding.
Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)Breastfeeding Your Baby 11
Ifyourbabyfallsasleepwhilebreastfeeding,squeezeyourbreasttohelpthebreastmilkflow.Donotsqueezesohardthatithurts.Thiswillhelpyourbabytostartsuckingagain.
Alsotrytakingyourbaby’sclothesofforchangingherdiaper. Gentlymassageyourbaby’sback,feet,orhands.
Ifyouwanttotakeyourbabyoffyourbreast,breakthesuctionby:
• slippingyourfingerintothecornerofyourbaby’smouth,OR;
• pullingdownonyourbaby’schin.
Offerthesecondbreastwhenyourbabynolongerhasstrong“deepandslow”sucksandyourbreastsfeelsofter.Yourbabymayonlybreastfeedashorttimeonthesecondbreast.Atthenextbreastfeedingofferthebreastthatfeelsthefullest.
Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)12
How to tell if your baby is getting enough breast milk
1. Your baby is breastfeeding well when…
You feel:
• yourbreastbeingpulledwithnopain
You hear:
• yourbabyswallowing(aquiet,exhaled“kaakaakaa”)
You see:
• awideopenmouth
• curledoutlips
• chinpressedintoyourbreasts
• suckingandswallowing(quickandshallowatthebeginninganddeepandslowasthebreastmilkstartstoflow)
Atthestartofthebreastfeedyourbabywillhaveshallowandquicksucks.Whenyourbreastmilkstartstoflow,thesucksshouldbecomedeepandslow.Thereshouldbeapauseduringthesuckingwhenyourbaby’smouthopenswidest.Yourbabyisdrinkingbreastmilkduringthispause.
MouthopeningPausewhenmouthisopenedthewidest.Babyisdrinking
duringthispause.Mouthclosing
Milk
Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)Breastfeeding Your Baby 13
2. Wet diapers and stools
Baby’s age
1dayold
2daysold
3daysold
4daysold
5-6daysoldandolder
6weeksto6months
Stools each day
• Atleast1-2stickydarkgreen/blackstools(meconium)
• Atleast1-2stickydarkgreen/blackstools(meconium)
• 3ormorebrown/green/yellowstools
• 3ormorebrown/green/yellowstools
• 3ormorelarge,soft,yellow,seedystools(alargestoolisthesizeofaquarterorlarger)
Baby should not be passing any meconium at this age
• 3-4perdayor1verylarge,soft,yellow,seedystool/week
After6weekssomebreastfedbabiesmayonlyhave1verylargeyellowstoolevery1-7days.Thisisnormalaslongasthestoolissoftliketoothpaste,orseedy,andwatery,andyourbabyishealthy.Itisalsonormalforsomebreastfedbabiestohavemanystoolseachday.
Wet diapers each day
* At all ages urine should be clear to pale yellow with almost no smell
• Atleast1wetdiaper(awetdiaperfeelslikeatleast2tablespoonsor30mlofwaterpouredonadrydiaper)
• Atleast2wetdiapers
• Atleast3heavywetdiapers (aheavywetdiaperfeelslikeatleast3tablespoonsor45mlofwateronadrydiaper)
• Atleast4heavywetdiapers
• Atleast6heavywetdiapers
• Atleast6heavywetdiapers
Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)14
3. Weight gain
Breastfedbabies:
• maylose7%orlessoftheirbirthweightinthefirst3daysafterbirth
• shouldreturntotheirbirthweightby10daysofage
• shouldshowapatternofweightgainbyday5
• shouldgainatleast20-35grams(2⁄3-1¼oz)adayinthefirst3-4monthsofage
4. Growth spurts
Growthspurtsarethetimesyourbabygrowsmorequicklyandwillneedmorebreastmilk.Thesespurtsoccurfrequentlyinthefirstfewmonths.Duringthesetimesbreastfeedmoreoftenwhenyourbabyseemshungry.Therearenosettimestobreastfeedyourbaby.Mostbabieswillbreastfeedatleast8timesin24hours(dayandnight).Yourbreastmilksupplywillincrease.
5. Other signs that your baby is breastfeeding well:
• babyhasaloudcry
• baby’smouthiswetandpink
• baby’seyeslookalert
• babymovesactively
• babycomesoffthebreastlooking relaxedandsleepy
• breastsfeelsofterandlessfull afterbreastfeeding
Get help right awayifyourbabyisnotshowingsignsofbreastfeedingwell.
Breastfeeding is a learned skill for mothers and babies. It requires patience and practice. Don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)Breastfeeding Your Baby 15
Caring for your breasts
General breast care• Rinseyourbreastswithwateronlyandairdry.Donotusesoaponyournipples.Soapmaydryyournipplesandcausethemtocrack.
• Wearabrathatfitswellandisnottootight.Donotwearabrawithunderwire.
• Afterbreastfeedingexpresssomebreastmilkontoyournipplesandthedarkareaaroundthemtohelpprotecttheskin.Letthebreastmilkdrybeforeputtingonyourbra.
Caring for breasts that are hardApplycoldorwarmthtoyourbreast,usewhicheverfeelsbest.
How to apply cold
Youcanputacoldcompressonyourbreastforafewminutes.Thiscanhelptodecreaseswelling.
Coldcompressescanbea:
• gelpackwrappedinacloth
• bagoffrozenpeas
• frozenwettowel
How to apply warmth
Youcanputwarmthonyourbreastby:
• havingawarmshoweruntilbreastmilkstartstoflow
• placingawarmtowelonyourbreastforafewminutes untilyourbreastmilkstarttoflow
Warmthmayalsobeappliedtoyourbreastbyusinga:
• warmwetdisposablediaper
• heatingpadonlow
• hotwaterbottlewrappedinacloth
Nextgentlymassageyourbreastsandexpresssomebreastmilkuntiltheareaaroundyournipplefeelssoft(seesectiononExpressing breast milkonpage17).Breastfeedyourbabyoftenuntilyourbreastsarenolongerhard.
Note:Limitcontacttocoldtoafewminutestopreventanydamagetotheskin.
Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)16
Get help right away if you:
• cannotsoftenbreastsorarehavingproblemsbreastfeeding
• havearedandpainfulareaonyourbreast
• haveafever
• arefeelingsick
Caring for sore/painful nipplesTheremaybesomenippletendernessinthefirstweekafterbirth.Thisshouldgetbettereachday.
Ifyouwanttotakeyourbabyoffyourbreastbreakthesuctionby:
• slippingyourfingerintothecornerofyourbaby’smouthOR
• pullingdownonyourbaby’schin
Get help right awayifyournipplesarestillpainfulaftercheckingthatyourbabyislatchedandpositionedonthebreastproperly.
Checkthatyourbaby’s:• mouthisopenedwide• lipsarecurledout• chinispressedintoyourbreastandyourbabyissuckingandswallowingbreastmilk
Checkthatyourbaby’s:• headandbodyareraiseduptoyourbreast
• headisatthelevelofyourbreast
• chestisfacingyourtummy• mouthisfacingyournipple
Afterbreastfeeding:• expresssomebreastmilkontoyournippleandthedarkareaaroundit(onlyifthereisnonippledamageorthrush)
• letthebreastmilkdrybeforeputtingonyourbra
Breastfeeding should not be painful when your baby is positioned and latched properly.
Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)Breastfeeding Your Baby 17
Youmayneedtoexpressbreastmilkif:
• yourbabyishavingdifficultywithlatching
• yourbreastsaretoohardforyourbabytolatch
• youwanttogiveyourbabybreastmilkwhenyouareawayfromyourbaby
• youneedtoincreaseyourbreastmilksupply
Youcanexpressyourbreastmilkbyhandorbyusingabreastpump.Handexpressiontakestimetolearnbutwillbecomeeasierandfasterasyoupractice.Itinvolvesnocost,isalwaysavailableandcanbedoneanytime,anywhere.
How to express breast milk by hand
1. Washyourhandswithsoapandwater.
2. Ifyourbabyishealthy,usea“clean”glassorhardplastic(BPAfree)containertocollectyourexpressedbreastmilk.“Clean”meanstowashinhotsoapywater,rinsewellwithhotwaterandleavetoairdryonacleansurfaceawayfromwherefoodismade.
3. Tohelpbreastmilkbegintodrip,tryanyofthefollowing:
• placeawarmtowelonyourbreastforafewminutes
• gentlymassageyourbreasttowardsthenipple
• gentlyrollyournipplebetweenyourthumbandfinger
Expressing breast milk
Most women are able to express breast milk by hand.
Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)18
4. Placeyourthumbandfirst2fingersalongtheouteredgeofthedarkarea(areola).
5. Pushyourthumband2fingersstraightbacktowardsyourchest.
6. Gentlycompressyourbreastusingyourthumbandfingersandrollfingerstowardsyournipple;thenrelaxyourfingers.
Repeat steps 4, 5 and 6 until the flow of breast milk slows down then switch to the other breast.
Tips for expressing breast milk• Expressinthemorning,whenyourbreastsfeelfullestorafterbreastfeedingyourbaby.
• Bepatient.Youmayonlygetafewdropsofbreastmilkwhenfirstlearningtoexpress.Expressingbreastmilkwillgetbetterandeasierwithpractice.
• Moveyourthumbandfingersindifferentpositionsaroundyournippletoensurethatallthebreastmilkductsareemptied.
• Switchbreastswhenevertheflowofbreastmilkslowsdown.
• Mostwomenareabletoexpressbreastmilkbyhand;howeveryoucanalsoexpressbreastmilkusingabreastpump.
Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)Breastfeeding Your Baby 19
Storing expressed breast milk
Containers for storing breast milk• Useglassorhardplastic(BPAfree)containerswithanair-tightlid(forexample,smalljarsandbottleswithlids).
• Specialbreastmilkfreezerbagscanalsobeused.
• Do not usebottlelinerbags.Thesearethinnerplasticbagsthatmaybreakwhenfrozen.
Cleaning the containersWashcontainersinhotsoapywaterandrinsewellwithhotwater.Letthecontainersairdryonadrycleansurfaceawayfromwherefoodismade.
* Ifyourbabyispremature(borntooearly)orinthehospital,speaktoyournurseaboutstoring breastmilkandcleaningcontainers.Sterilizedcontainersmaybeprovidedbythehospital.
Breast milk can be stored in the following ways
RoomTemperature:≤25°Cor77°Ffor6-8hours
DeepFreezerChestorUpright
-20°Cor-4°Ffor6-12months
Freezerofa2doorrefrigerator
-18°Cor0°Ffor3-6months
Refrigerator
≤4°Cor40°Ffor5days
Freshly expressed breast milk left at room temperature for more than 6-8 hours should be thrown out.
Important• Placecontainersatthebackoftherefrigeratorandfreezerwhereitisthecoldest.
• Afterthestoragetimehaspassed,throwoutthebreastmilk.
Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)20
Storing Tips• Refrigerateorchillfreshlyexpressedbreastmilkwithin1hourofexpressingifyouarenotgoingtofeedittoyourbabywithin6-8hours.
• Labelcontainerswithdateandtime.
• Storeinsmalleramountstopreventwastingbreastmilk.
• Alwayscoolfreshlyexpressedbreastmilkbeforeaddingittoalreadycoolorfrozenbreastmilk.
• Leavea1inchspaceatthetopofthecontainerwhenfreezing.
Travelling with expressed breast milk Thefollowinginstructionsareforfresh,refrigeratedandfrozenexpressedbreastmilk.
Forsafety:
• carryexpressedbreastmilkinacoolerbagwithicepacks
• makesuretousewithin24hours
• ifnotusedwithin24hours,throwawaytheunusedbreastmilk
• warmbreastmilkbyplacingthecontainerinabowlofvery warmwater,orholdingitunderwarmrunningtapwater
• frozenbreastmilkthathasbeenthawedcanbekeptinthe coolerbagwiththeicepackfor24hours Insulatedcooler
withicepackfor24hours
Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)Breastfeeding Your Baby 21
Thawing frozen breast milk
1. Checkthedateonthestoredbreastmilk.Usethecontainerwiththeearliestdatefirst.
2. Thawfrozenbreastmilkbyleavingitintherefrigeratorfor4-24hours.
3. Placecontainerundercoolwaterrunning.Onceithasbeguntothaw,runwarmwatertofinishthawing.
4. Neverthawatroomtemperature.
5. Warmbreastmilkbyplacingthecontainerinabowlofverywarmwaterfornomorethan15minutes.
6. Donotthaworheatbreastmilkinthemicrowave.Donotrefreezeonceithasthawed.
OR
Do not refreeze breast milk once it has started to thaw.
Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)22
Feeding expressed breast milk (by cup or bottle)• Shakewarmedbreastmilkwell.Checkthetemperatureonyourwrist.Letcooliftoohot.
• Holdyourbabycloseinanuprightposition.
• Makefeedingsanenjoyabletimeforyouandyourbaby.Talktoyourbabyandgivelotsofsmiles.
• Watchyourbabyswallow.Allowbabytorest.
• Burpyourbabyasneeded.Stopfeedingwhenyourbabyshowssignsofbeingfull.
• Throwawaywhatyourbabydoesnotdrinkwithin1hour.
• Donotputyourbabytobedwithabottle.
Signs your baby is finished or fullYourbaby:
• lookssleepyandcalm
• letsgoofthenipple
• closeshermouth
• turnsawayfromacuporbottle
• doesnotlookformorebreastmilk
• maystillhavesmallsucklingmovement;thisisareflexanddoesnotmeanyourbabyishungry
If you see signs your baby is full, stop feeding even if the cup or bottle is not empty.
Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)Breastfeeding Your Baby 23
Afterbirthyouandyourbabywillneedtimetolearntobreastfeed.Youwillalsoneedtolookafteryourselfandyourbaby.Herearesometips:
• makesleep/restapriority
• limitvisitors,telephonecallsandotherinterruptionsduringtheearlyweeks
• askforhelpwhenneeded;familyandfriendscanhelpwitheverydaythingslikemealpreparation,dishesandlaundry,keepingthehometidyandcaringforotherchildren
• accepthelpwhenoffered
Breastfeeding and healthy eatingEatingwellwhenbreastfeedinghelpsyoutofeelyourbest,recoverfromlabourandbirthandgetallthenutrientsandenergyyouneed.Herearesometipsforhealthyeating:
• eatbalancedmealsthatincludefoodfromatleast3foodgroupsandsnacksthatincludefoodsfromatleast2foodgroups
• eatsmallmealsandsnacksevery2-3hours
• haveeasytoprepare,healthysnacksavailable
• preparemealsinlargebatches;freezeandreheatforaquickmeal
• accepthelpfromfriendsandfamilywhoofferyoupreparedmeals
• avoidskippingmeals
• drinkfluidseverytimeyourbabybreastfeeds
• carryyourwaterbottlewithyou
• keepcut-upvegetablesandfruitinthefridgeand eatthemforaquicksnack
• takeamultivitamincontainingfolicacideveryday
Breastfeeding and medicationsInalmostallcasesitissafetocontinuebreastfeedingifyouneedtotakemedications.CallMotherisk1-877-439-2744(TollFree)orabreastfeedingclinicorhealthcareproviderformoreinformation.
Caring for yourself
Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)24
Breastfeeding and contraception (birth control)Breastfeedingcanbeusedasamethodofbirthcontrol,butonlyifyoufollowtheserules:
1. Yourmonthlyperiodshavenotreturned.
2. Yourbabyisfullyornearlyfullybreastfed.
• fully breastfedmeansyourbabygetsallfoodfromsucklingatthebreast
• nearly fully breastfed means,inadditiontobreastfeeding,vitamins,minerals,juice,wateroranyotherfoodsaregiveninfrequently(nomorethan1or2mouthfulsaday)
• to be fully breastfed or nearly fully breastfed,yourbabyshouldbebreastfedatleastevery4hoursandnothavemorethanone6hourstretchbetweenbreastfeedingin24hours
3. Yourbabyisunder6months.
Othermethodsofbirthcontrolthatdonotaffectbreastfeedinginclude:
• condoms(maleandfemale)
• spermicides
• diaphragm–mustberefittedafterpregnancy
• I.U.D(Intra-UterineDevice)
• vasectomy
• tuballigation
Speaktoyourhealthcareproviderformoreinformationaboutbirthcontrol.
Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)Breastfeeding Your Baby 25
Nooneshouldstopamotherfrombreastfeedingherchild,askhertocoverupormovehertoanotherplace.
Tips for breastfeeding in public1. Getcomfortablewithbreastfeedingyourbabyathome
withyourfamilyandfriendsbeforeyoubreastfeedinpublic.
2. Wearcomfortableclothes,aloosefittingtop,orabreastfeedingtop.Useablanketifyouwanttocoverup.
3. Justdoit!
What can I do if someone asks me to stop breastfeeding in public?1. Dowhatyouneedtodobreastfeedyourchild
comfortably.
2. Talktotheowner,manager,ortheindividualwhoaskedyoutostopbreastfeeding.Telltheperson:
• Itisyourrighttobreastfeedinpublic.
• YouwillmakeacomplainttothePElHumanRightsCommissionifyouareaskedagaintoleave,moveorcoverup.
3. Followupwithalettertotheownerormanager.Explainwhathashappenedandinformthepersonthatitisyourrighttobreastfeedinpublic.
4. Ifyouwish,followupwiththePElHumanRightsCommissionatcontact@peihumanrights.caorbyphoneat(902)368-4180or1-800-237-5031(TollFreeinPElonly).
How do I make a complaint?YoucanmakeacomplaintwiththePElHumanRightsCommission.Applicationformsformakingacomplaintareavailableat
http://www.gov.pe.ca/humanrights/index.php3?number=1 043536&1ang=E
Forinformationortotalktosomeone:
• seethePElHumanRightsCommissionathttp://www.peihumanrights.caor,
• contactthembye-mailatcontact@peihumanrights.caor,
• byphoneat1-800-237-5031(TollFreeinPElonly)
Breastfeeding in public
All mothers have the right to breastfeed their babies in public anywhere, anytime.
Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)26
Youhavegivenyourbabythebestpossiblestartbybreastfeedingforthefirst6months.Breastmilkisstillthemostimportantfoodduringthefirstyearofyourbaby’slife.Youmaywanttocontinuetobreastfeedyourbabyfor2yearsorlonger.Thereisnorighttimetostop.Extraironisneededat6monthsanditistimetoaddsolidfoods.
Why breastfeed your older baby or child?• Breastmilkchangesasyourbabygrowstomeetyourbaby’schangingnutritionalneeds.
• Breastfeedingismorethanfood;it’salsoaboutyourrelationshipwithyourbaby.
• Whenyourchildissick,breastfeedingcanprovidecomfortandisaveryimportantsourceoffluidandfood.Breastmilkiseasytodigest.Itmaybeallyourchildwants.
• Breastmilkprotectsyourchildagainstinfection.Itstrengthensyourchild’simmunity.
Breast changesDon’tworryifyourbreastsfeelsoft;theywillstillmakeenoughbreastmilk.Anolderchildtakesbreastmilkfasterthananewborn.
Breastfeeding after the first 6 months
As your baby grows, you may experience changes in how often and long your baby breastfeeds. Your breast milk will change based on your growing baby’s needs.
Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)Breastfeeding Your Baby 27
Developmental changesAnolderbabybecomesmoreinterestedintheworldaroundthemandcangetdistractedeasily. Aquietplacewithlessdistractionmaykeepherattentiononbreastfeeding.
Teething Itisokaytobreastfeedevenwhenyourchildisgettingteeth.
• Yourbaby’sgummaybesore.Offeryourbabyacold,cleanclothorteethingringtochewonbeforebreastfeeding.
• Ifyourbabybites,staycalm.Say“No”andtakebabyoffthebreast.
• Yourbabymaybiteneartheendofthebreastfeeding.Watchforsuckingchangesattheendofthebreastfeedingasyourbabywillhavefewerswallows.Toendthebreastfeeding,pullyourbabycloseandshewillopenhermouthandpulloffeasily.
Nursing strikesSometimesababywhohasbeenbreastfeedingwellsuddenlyrefusestobreastfeed.Thisisnotthesameasnaturalweaning.
Tohelpyourbabyreturntoyourbreast:
• Talkgentlytoherandgivehermoreeye-to-eyecontact.
• Breastfeedyourbabyinaquiet,familiarplace.
• Breastfeedyourbabywhensheisrelaxedandnotcompletelyawake.
• Relax.Bepatient.Babiesusuallystarttobreastfeedagaininafewdays.
Ifyourbreastsaregettingtoofull,youcanexpresssomebreastmilkforcomfort.Youcanoffersomeexpressedbreastmilkfromacup.
Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)28
Returning to work or schoolIfyouplantocontinuebreastfeedingwhenyoureturntoworkorschool,youcanexpressorpumpyourbreastmilk.Yourbreastswillcontinuetoproduceenoughbreastmilkaslongasyoubreastfeed,expressorpumpoften.Anyamountofbreastmilkisgoodforyourbaby.
Tips on breastfeeding and returning to work or school• Discussyourplanswithyouremployer.ThePEIHumanRightsCommissionstatesthatemployersarerequiredtoaccommodatewomenwhoarebreastfeeding.
• Practiceexpressingorpumpingyourbreastmilkbeforereturningtoworkorschool.
• Chooseacaregiverwhosharesyourbeliefsaboutbreastfeeding.
• Dependingonyourworkplaceorschool,youmayneedtofindaquietplacetoexpressyourbreastmilkorbreastfeedyourbaby.
• Talktootherwomenwhohavecombinedworkandbreastfeeding.
• Expressedorpumpedbreastmilkmaybegiventoyourbabyinasmallcupwhenyouareawayfromhome.Begintostorebreastmilkbeforereturningtoworkorschool.
• Thenumberoftimesyouwillneedtopumporexpressbreastmilkwhileyouareawayfromhomewilldependonthelengthoftimeyouareaway.
• Clotheswithpatternswillhelptohideleaks.
• Changesinbreastmilksupplyarenormalfromdaytodaysodon’tworryaboutthis.
• Pumpingbothbreastsatthesametimecanhelptodecreaseyourpumpingtime.
• Expressedbreastmilkmaybestoredinarefrigeratororacoolerbagwithicepacks.
Changes in your life
When you and your baby are together, you can breastfeed as much as you like. Breastfeeding your baby when you arrive home from work or school is a great way to bond.
Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)Breastfeeding Your Baby 29
Breastfeeding when you are pregnantYoucanbreastfeedwhenyouarepregnant.
• yournipplesmayfeelmoretender
• youmaymakelessbreastmilk
• yourbreastmilkmayhaveadifferenttaste
• mostchildrenhappilycontinuetobreastfeed
Rememberto:
• eatvarietyoffoods
• drinkwhenyouarethirsty
You can breastfeed an older child and a new baby, either together or at different times.
Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)30
1. Questions:WhenshouldItakemybabyforacheck-upafterleavingthehospital?
Answer:Yourbabyshouldbeseenbyanurse,lactationconsultant,ordoctor3-5daysafterleaving thehospital.Yourbabyshouldthenhaveasecondcheck-upwithyourdoctor.Askyourdoctor whentheywanttoseeyourbabyforacheck-up.
2. Question:HowlongshouldIbreastfeed?
Answer:HealthPEIandtheWorldHealthOrganizationrecommendgivingonlybreast milkforthefirst6months.Thereisno“righttime”tostopbreastfeeding.After6months breastfeedingshouldbecontinuedfor2yearsormoreandbabiesshouldbegivenotherfoods.
3. Question:IsitsafetobreastfeedifIamsick?
Answer:Inalmostallcasesitissafetocontinuebreastfeeding.Ifyouaresickcallyourprimary healthcareprovider.
Questions about breastfeeding
Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)Breastfeeding Your Baby 31
4. Question:HowcanIcalmmycryingbaby?
Answer:Yourbabycriesformanyreasons;forexamplefood,comfort,warmthortobeheld. Babiescryanaverageof2-21/2hoursaday.Cryingpeaksat2monthsandgraduallydecreases bythefourthtofifthmonth.Yourbabymaycryforlongperiodsfornoreason.Trytocalmyour babyby:
• breastfeedingyourbaby
• holdingyourbabyskin-to-skin
• cuddlingorrockingyourbaby
• carryingyourbabyinacarrier
• wrappingyourbabylooselyinablanket
• burpingyourbaby
• changingyourbaby’sdiaper
• givingyourbabyabath
• givingyourbabyamassage
• takingyourbabytoaquietroom
Formoretipsreviewyour“PeriodofPURPLECrying”DVDortalktoyourPublicHealthNurse.
5. Question:Whatismothertomothersupport?
Answer:Supportfromothermotherswhoarealsobreastfeedingcanbehelpful.Thisincludes friendsandrelatives.YoucanalsomeetbreastfeedingmothersthroughLaLecheLeague, parentinggroupsorcallthePublicHealthNurseorFamilyResourceCentreinyourarea.
Health PEl (Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health)32
Public Health Nursing (PHN)O’Leary..............................................902-859-8720
Tignish..............................................902-882-7366
Summerside........................................902-888-8160
Kensington.........................................902-836-3863
Wellington.........................................902-854-7259
Charlottetown....................................902-368-4530
Montague..........................................902-838-0762
Souris..................................................902-687-7049
Lennox Island Health Centre..........902-831-2711Abegweit First Nation.....................902-676-3007
Lactation Consultants can be contacted by calling: CharlottetownPHN.............................902368-4530
SummersidePHN...............................902888-8160
PrinceCountyHospital.......................902438-4490(Maternal Child Care Unit)
QueenElizabethHospital....................902894-2267(Nursery)
Hospitals (available 24 hours/day)QueenElizabethHospital...................902-894-2267
(Nursery)
Family Resource CentresKidsWest,Alberton...........................902-853-4066
FamilyPlace,Summerside.................902-436-1348
Capenfants,(francophone).................902-854-2123
Wellington
CHANCES,Charlottetown.................902-892-8744
Mi’KmaqCentre,Charlottetown........902-892-0928
FamiliesFirst,Montague....................902838-4600
MainStreet,Souris.............................902687-3928
La Leche League(www.LLLC.caandwww.facebook.com/LLLCCharlottetown)
(Mother-to-motherbreastfeedinginformationandsupport.)
ChrisOrtenburger...............................902-675-2239LLLC.ChrisO@gmail.com
JenniferThompson.............................902-569-0454
The PEI Breastfeeding Coalition’s website has information getting help for breastfeeding concerns, and many community links. http://www.peibreastfeedingcoalition.org/
Telehealth PEI24hoursperday,7daysperweekCall:811Alinktoadetaileddirectoryof8-1-1healthtopicscanbefoundathttp://www.healthpei.ca/811
Where to Get Breastfeeding Help on Prince Edward Island
Health PEI has policies and practices that support breastfeeding.
Local Breastfeeding Clinics and Services
PH14
01GB
009
16HP
E41-
4578
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Adapted and Reprinted with the Permission of Toronto Public Health
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healthpei.ca/publichealth
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