A. BREASTFEEDING - NOTHING COMPARES!

Being successful and happy with breastfeeding depends on the confidence you have in your capacity to breastfeed. Even though breastfeeding is "natural", learning to breastfeed is a step by step process for both mom and baby, and can be challenging. The first six weeks are when most learning takes place. Breastfeeding becomes easier with time.


 

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a. Benefits of Breastfeeding

 

Do you know the advantages of breastfeeding for the mother and the baby? Here are some of the reasons why your breastmilk is best for you and your baby.

In addition to all these advantages, breastfeeding is economical. Turn the wheel to discover the amounts you will save by deciding to breastfeed.

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b. Concerns and Myths Surrounding Breastfeeding

New parents have many questions about breastfeeding. Will I be able to breastfeed? Will I have enough milk? Will my partner feel left out?

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Test Your Knowledge

 
 

This exercise will help you verify your knowledge about breastfeeding. You will also find answers to some of your questions.

Click on the button that corresponds to the correct answer and check your answer by clicking on the "Check" button.

1

Most women are able to breastfeed.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! Most women are capable of breastfeeding and can breastfeed. One of the most important things is wanting to breastfeed your baby. Certain circumstances can prevent mothers from breastfeeding: Mothers who are addicted to drugs and alcohol, mothers receiving treatment for cancer, or mothers who are infected with HIV. Wrong answer! MMost women are capable of breastfeeding and can breastfeed. One of the most important things is wanting to breastfeed your baby. Certain circumstances can prevent mothers from breastfeeding: Mothers who are addicted to drugs and alcohol, mothers receiving treatment for cancer, or mothers who are infected with HIV.

Check your answer

2

Mothers with small breasts produce less milk than mothers with big breasts.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! The size of the breasts is not important. Big or small, they can produce all the milk the baby requires. What counts is to start breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth. The more you breastfeed, the more milk you will produce, supply equals the demand!Wrong answer! The size of the breasts is not important. Big or small, they can produce all the milk the baby requires. What counts is to start breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth. The more you breastfeed, the more milk you will produce, supply equals the demand!

Check your answer

3

Women with flat or inverted nipples cannot breastfeed.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! The baby does not suck the nipple but sucks the whole breast. It is breastfeeding, not nipple feeding. Although it is easier for the baby to suck at the breast when the nipple stands out, it is not necessary. Generally, most problems may be eliminated when breastfeeding is well initiated. It is important to receive help with the breastfeeding.Wrong answer! The baby does not suck the nipple but sucks the whole breast. It is breastfeeding, not nipple feeding. Although it is easier for the baby to suck at the breast when the nipple stands out, it is not necessary. Generally, most problems may be eliminated when breastfeeding is well initiated. It is important to receive help with the breastfeeding.

Check your answer

4

Breastfeeding causes the breasts to "sag".

a) True
b) False
Right answer! This is the biggest myth surrounding breastfeeding. It is the hormones of pregnancy that cause the breasts to sag and not breastfeeding. The solution is to wear a good support bra. You will notice that your breasts will return to their normal shape and size once you stop breastfeeding. Wrong answer! This is the biggest myth surrounding breastfeeding. It is the hormones of pregnancy that cause the breasts to sag and not breastfeeding. The solution is to wear a good support bra. You will notice that your breasts will return to their normal shape and size once you stop breastfeeding.

Check your answer

5

Breastfeeding takes a lot of time.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! In reality, many mothers find that breastfeeding gives them more freedom than formula feeding. The activities of all new mothers are limited to feeding and caring for the baby and being tired. The first few weeks of your new life with your baby are a time of change and joy. This is true for all new moms! Wrong answer! In reality, many mothers find that breastfeeding gives them more freedom than formula feeding. The activities of all new mothers are limited to feeding and caring for the baby and being tired. The first few weeks of your new life with your baby are a time of change and joy. This is true for all new moms!

Check your answer

6

A mother who is breastfeeding must watch what she eats.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! A breastfeeding mother must have a balanced diet but nothing obliges her to eat certain foods or prevents her from eating others. In certain cases the baby may be bothered by what the mother has eaten, but this is unusual. When the baby has colic, gas, or cries, modifying the breastfeeding is a better solution than changing the mother's diet. Wrong answer! A breastfeeding mother must have a balanced diet but nothing obliges her to eat certain foods or prevents her from eating others. In certain cases the baby may be bothered by what the mother has eaten, but this is unusual. When the baby has colic, gas, or cries, modifying the breastfeeding is a better solution than changing the mother's diet.

Check your answer

7

Mothers who smoke can breastfeed their babies.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! However, we strongly recommend you quit smoking as soon as you find out that you are pregnant. A mother, who is unable to quit smoking, should still breastfeed. It is proven that breastfeeding reduces the negative effects of tobacco on the baby's lungs and can protect against respiratory illness. Breastfeeding is good for the baby and the mother. It is better if the mother does not smoke but if she can't stop or reduce her consumption, it is better to smoke and breastfeed than to smoke and not breastfeed. Smoking should be done outside and after the breastfeeding to limit the amount of nicotine in the breastmilk. Nicotine replacement therapy is safe while breastfeeding (e.g.: Nicorette gum, the patch).Wrong answer! However, we strongly recommend you quit smoking as soon as you find out that you are pregnant. A mother, who is unable to quit smoking, should still breastfeed. It is proven that breastfeeding reduces the negative effects of tobacco on the baby's lungs and can protect against respiratory illness. Breastfeeding is good for the baby and the mother. It is better if the mother does not smoke but if she can't stop or reduce her consumption, it is better to smoke and breastfeed than to smoke and not breastfeed. Smoking should be done outside and after the breastfeeding to limit the amount of nicotine in the breastmilk. Nicotine replacement therapy is safe while breastfeeding (e.g.: Nicorette gum, the patch).

Check your answer

8

A woman who is breastfeeding can become pregnant.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! Breastfeeding provides good protection during the first six months following delivery. This protection is only reliable if the baby is under six months of age, is breastfed exclusively (which means no other liquids other then breastmilk), if there are no long interruptions between feedings (baby should not go longer than 4 hours between feedings in the day, and no more than one six hour stretch between feedings at night), and if the mother has not started her period. To avoid a pregnancy, you should use a more appropriate method of contraception while you are breastfeeding. As birth control pills may reduce your milk supply, it is recommended to wait to start them until after your baby is six weeks old. Follow-up with your health care provider. Wrong answer! Breastfeeding is not an effective method of birth control, but it can be a good method to separate births. Breastfeeding provides a good protection during the first six months following delivery. This protection is only reliable if the baby is under six months of age, is breastfed exclusively (which means no other liquids other then breastmilk), if there are no long interruptions between feedings (baby should not go longer than 4 hours between feedings in the day, and no more than one six hour stretch between feedings at night), and if the mother has not started her period. To avoid a pregnancy, you should use a more appropriate method of contraception while you are breastfeeding. As birth control pills may reduce your milk supply, it is recommended to wait to start them until after your baby is six weeks old. Follow-up with your health care provider.

Check your answer

9

If a woman breastfeeds, her partner is excluded from providing care to the baby.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! In the beginning when you and the baby are establishing the milk production, there are many other things that your partner can do to help you. He can take the baby in his arms, sing a lullaby, change, bath, console, and walk the baby as well as other things. This will help him to develop a close relationship with the baby.Wrong answer! In the beginning when you and the baby are establishing the milk production, there are many other things that your partner can do to help you. He can take the baby in his arms, sing a lullaby, change, bath, console, and walk the baby as well as other things. This will help him to develop a close relationship with the baby.

Check your answer

10

It is possible to continue breastfeeding even after returning to work or to school.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! Many mothers can benefit from a twelve month maternity leave. However, students, part-time workers, and self-employed mothers may not have access to this paid leave. If you must return to work or to school, it is still possible to breastfeed with the help of your partner, a babysitter, a relative, or a friend. When returning to work or school after any length of maternity leave, you can still continue to breastfeed. Wrong answer! Many mothers can benefit from a twelve month maternity leave. However, students, part-time workers, and self-employed mothers may not have access to this paid leave. If you must return to work or to school, it is still possible to breastfeed with the help of your partner, a babysitter, a relative, or a friend. When returning to work or school after any length of maternity leave, you can still continue to breastfeed.

Check your answer
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c. Risks of Not Breastfeeding

The benefits of breastfeeding for both the mother and the child are being recognized more and more. Have you ever thought about the risks to you and your baby’s health associated with not breastfeeding? The following list will help you to discover the most common risks mentioned in the literature. Food for thought...

 

  1. Increased risk of allergy and asthma
  2. Reduced cognitive development
  3. Increased risk of acute respiratory disease
  4. Increased risk for infection from contaminated formula
  5. Increased risk of childhood cancers
  6. Increased risk of obesity and diabetes
  7. Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
  8. Increased risk of gastrointestinal and ear infections
  9. Increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome*
  10. Increased risk of breast, ovarian and endometrial cancer for mothers
  11. Increased risk of osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis for mothers
  12. Increased risk of maternal diabetes

 

Reference:

INFACT Canada. 14 Risks of Formula Feeding. Retrieved from: http://www.infactcanada.ca/pdf/14-Risks-Small.pdf

INFACT Canada. 2006. Risks of Formula Feeding. Retrieved from: http://www.infactcanada.ca/RisksofFormulaFeeding.pdf

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1. Expression of Milk

During the first weeks you may have to express milk if:

  • your breasts are too hard for the baby to latch.
  • you want to feed your baby with breast milk when you are apart.
  • you need to increase your milk production.

This is how to express milk manually.

Most mothers do not need a breast pump. If you do need a breast pump, there are a variety of pumps available for rent or purchase from lactation consultants, hospitals, medical supply outlets, drug stores and some children's stores. Lactation consultants provide instructions and support for the pumps they supply. You can consult a public health nurse at 613-580-6744, a Lactation Consultant, La Leche League, a nurse or midwife about which pump is best for you. The type of pump you select depends on what you intend using it for.

No matter which type of pump you select, you must always follow the instructions that come with the pump.

 

Here are a few tips if you are planning on purchasing a breast pump.

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2. Storing and Thawing of Breast Milk

Here are a few tips when choosing containers used to store the breast milk.

Here are a few tips when storing breast milk.

Breast milk can be stored in the following places.

Tips to thaw breast milk efficiently and safely.

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