Most pregnant women know that breast feeding is best
for them and their babies/ new born child. But they may not know that:
Breast feeding gives mothers a lot of freedom.
Some mothers think that breast feeding will limit
what they can do. This
is not true. You can breast feed your baby
anywhere, and anytime. You do not need to take along bottles or formula. There
is no need to worry about where to warm up the milk or about sterilizing
bottles.
Breast feeding mothers can eat all foods.
A breast feeding mother should eat many kinds of
foods and follow Canada’s Food Guide. You can eat all the foods you want in
moderation. Only in some cases do babies react to foods that you have eaten. If
that happens do not eat that food for awhile or eat only a small amount.
Mothers who smoke can breast feed.
Some mothers who smoke think they should not breast
feed. This is not true. It would be better if the mother quit smoking or smoked
less. If she cannot do this, she can still breast feed because it is good for
both her and her baby. It is best to smoke after you breast feed your baby. If
you smoke outside, your baby will breathe in less smoke.
Mothers can breast feed in public.
You can breast feed your baby at anytime, anywhere.
In Canada, all mothers have the right to breast feed their babies in public.
Some mothers feel more comfortable by placing a blanket over their shoulders
when they are breast feeding their baby in public.
Most mothers make enough milk for their babies.
The amount of milk depends on how often and how well
the baby feeds on the breast. More milk will come when the baby breast feeds
more often and has a good latch and suck.
Fathers and partners can be involved.
Fathers and partners can learn about how breast feeding
will help their baby. They can bring the baby to be breast fed. They can offer
the mother a glass of water or juice while she is breast feeding.
They can burp the baby afterwards. Fathers and partners
can encourage mothers to keep breast feeding, and to get help if they need it.
Fathers and partners play an important role with the
new baby. They can get to know their new baby by bathing, changing, and holding
their baby. They can encourage the mother to rest when she can. They can make
sure the mother is not bothered by the phone or visitors when she is resting.
Breast feeding does not hurt.
In the first week, it is common for nipples to feel
tender. This gets better in a few days.
The two most common reasons for painful breast
feeding are poor positioning and poor latch. If you are feeling pain, make sure
you get some help.
Breast feeding mothers can tell if their babies
are getting enough breast milk.
A mother knows that her baby is getting enough
breast milk by the number of wet and dirty diapers, the amount of weight the
baby gains, and the way the baby breast feeds.
Breast feed often.
Start breast feeding right after your baby is born.
Your new baby will need to feed often. Breast feed whenever your baby seems
hungry. Don't wait until your baby is crying loudly. They may be too upset to
feed well.
Breast Feeding Resources
There are many resources that can help you learn
more about breast feeding and where to get help.
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