MODULE 4

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.

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.

Deciding to breastfeed is the best choice because breast milk is the natural food for your baby. In this module you have learned how to prepare yourself well for a successful breastfeeding experience for you and your family.

The special bond between you and your baby will get stronger every day because of breastfeeding. The more experience you acquire the more comfortable you will become and the more breastfeeding will be enjoyable. Your baby will be grateful for life!

For more breastfeeding information and support visit Ottawa Public Health's website.

Congratulations! By completing this module, you have learned how to prepare to breastfeed your baby. The following exercise will allow you to verify if you are ready to begin the wonderful experience of breastfeeding.

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

1

The newborn should be placed to the breast a) immediatly following birth or as soon as possible. b) two hours after birth. c) three hours after birth. d) when the baby is hungry. Right answer! Your baby should be put skin to skin on your chest immediately following birth or as soon as possible.  It is the start of a special time between you and your baby.Wrong answer! Your baby should be put skin to skin on your chest immediately following birth or as soon as possible.  It is the start of a special time between you and your baby.

2

Among the following people, who would be best suited to be part of your breastfeeding support group? a) Your mother who has never breastfed. b) Your neighbor who has breastfed her two children. c) Your health care provider d) Your sister who does not have any children but is always ready to give you advice. Right answer! Your neighbor who has breastfed her two children is best suited to be part of your support group.Wrong answer! Your neighbor who has breastfed her two children is best suited to be part of your support group.

3	How long is it recommended to breastfeed exclusively? a) 2 months b) 4 months c) 6 months d) 12 months Right answer! Breast milk is all the food your baby needs during the first six months.Wrong answer! Breast milk is all the food your baby needs during the first six months.

4

What is the best thing your partner can do to help you breastfeed? a) Give the baby a bottle of breast milk during the night to allow you to rest. b) Prepare the bottles of formula ahead of time in case you do not have enough breast milk. c) Carry the baby in a baby carriage while you take a relaxing bath. d) Sleep in another room during the first month following the baby's birth. Right answer! The best thing your partner can do is to take care of the baby while you relax.Wrong answer! The best thing your partner can do is to take care of the baby while you relax.

5

While breastfeeding during the first days following birth it is better to a) always use the same position in order for the baby to learn the latch-on skills. b) always begin with the left breast so as not to confuse the baby. c) use different positions and offer both breasts at each feeding. d) give the baby a pacifier after breastfeeding. Right answer!During the first days of breastfeeding, it is better to offer both breasts and use different positions at each feeding to ensure a good supply and intake of milk.Wrong answer! During the first days of breastfeeding, it is better to offer both breasts and use different positions at each feeding to ensure a good supply of milk.

6

While in the hospital, it is better to a) keep your baby with you 24 hours a day in order to get a good start at breastfeeding. b) leave the baby in the nursery as much as possible so that you can rest. c) enjoy as much company as possible. d) take the baby only when he/she is hungry or crying. Right answer! During your stay at the hospital, it is preferable to keep your baby with you as much as possible. Often, babies breastfeed better if they have skin to skin contact with their mother.Wrong answer! During your stay at the hospital, it is preferable to keep your baby with you as much as possible. Often, babies breastfeed better if they have skin to skin contact with their mother.

7

When is the best time to get ready for breastfeeding? a) Before you are pregnant. b) During your pregnancy. c) In the hospital after the delivery. d) It is not necessary to get ready because breastfeeding is natural and you will automatically know how to do it. Right answer! Pregnancy is the ideal time to prepare for breastfeeding.Wrong answer! Pregnancy is the ideal time to prepare for breastfeeding.

8

Which among the following statements is not a good prenatal breastfeeding goal? a) I will tell the hospital personnel that I intend to breastfeed my baby. b) I will ask my partner for help so that breastfeeding is a success in our family. c) I will wait to see how I make out at the hospital before deciding if I will continue breastfeeding. d) I will learn as much as possible about breastfeeding in order to gain confidence. Right answer! Waiting to see how you will make out at the hospital is not the ideal way to prepare for breastfeeding.Wrong answer! Waiting to see how you will make out at the hospital is not the ideal way to prepare for breastfeeding.

A good start is the key to successful and happy breastfeeding experience.

Here are some breastfeeding goals for the time you will be in the hospital. By setting goals, you will get a good start.

Not all hospitals offer the same support to mothers who want to breastfeed. Find out if there is support for breastfeeding at the hospital where your baby will be born. Ask about this when you are pregnant so you will know what to expect. All New-Brunswick hospitals have lactation consultants that you can see during your hospital stay after the birth of your baby.

Now is time to create this support group so you will be ready when your baby is born. Here are a few suggestions.

It is good to plan your support network ahead of time. Think about friends, members of your family, professionals, and any other person who will be able to help. It is also a good idea to determine how these people can support you during breastfeeding.

With the help of a support group, you will have

• someone to talk to about breastfeeding and from whom you can get help either in person or by phone.
• someone in whom you will be able to confide anytime during the day or night; but most often during the night.
• someone who will check up on you to see how you are making out.
• someone who will take care of the baby while you take a bath, go to the hairdresser, or simply have a rest.
• someone who will prepare some meals, do the cleaning, or get the groceries.
• someone who will care for the other children if you have any. The other children, depending on their ages, can also be involved.
• someone who will invite you, your baby, and your family for a meal or an outing.
• someone who will babysit while you and your partner go out.

Keep in mind that your family and friends will offer advice whether you have asked or not. Some advice will be helpful, some not. Don't be afraid to ignore the advice that is not good for you. Thank them and do what you think is best for you and your baby.