For Families


Prenatal

 

The Importance of Breastfeeding

Breastmilk is the natural food for your baby.  Health Canada says that breastmilk should be the only food or drink for the first six months of life and after that breastfeeding should continue for two or more years along with the gradual introduction of new foods.     

Breastfeeding is important for everyone: you, your baby, your family, your employer and your community.

It reduces health care costs by improving the health of the babies and the mothers.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:  

1.  What is the best way to prepare for breastfeeding in the prenatal period?

  • Get informed.  Attend a prenatal breastfeeding workshop which presents current evidence based information. For classes in the Niagara Region click here.
  • Encourage your primary support person and family members to obtain information on their role in the breastfeeding family. If they are unable to attend the breastfeeding workshop click here for information about supporting the breastfeeding mother.

  

2.  Do I have to prepare my nipples during the prenatal period? NO!!

  • Rubbing the nipples with a rough towel during the prenatal period was thought to “toughen” them up and prepare them for the breastfeeding baby.  It is now known that the Montgomery Glands around the nipple provide natural and needed lubrication and rubbing is irritating and unnecessary.  If the baby is latched correctly nipples will not become irritated.

3.  I have been told that I cannot breastfeed if my nipples are inverted or flat.  Is this true? NO!!

  • Babies are breastfed, not nipple fed!
  • Many women are able to breastfeed successfully with no problems.  If you have concerns about flat nipples click here for help in the Niagara Region.

 

4.   Do I need to purchase special bras and if so when should they be purchased?

  • A nursing bra can be more convenient and more supportive for the mother in the later months of pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
  • A nursing bra usually has a flap over the cup that can be opened for feeding.  Looking for one with a clip that you can open with one hand is most convenient.
  • Wearing a well fitted, supportive nursing bra helps to limit the stretching of supportive breast tissues. 
  • Purchasing ONE or TWO bras one size too big late in pregnancy will usually provide a good fit as the breasts will be larger after the baby is born.  Bras that are too tight or with an underwire can cause a plugged duct resulting in possible infection. 
  • Around the second week after baby is born and the milk volume has adjusted to the baby’s needs, you can purchase more.

 

5.  I have had breast reduction/ augmentation surgery.  Can I still breastfeed?  ABSOLUTELY!!

  • All women have the ability to breastfeed but there is no way to know if you will be able to provide a full supply of milk.
  •  During surgery some of the ducts and nerves may be damaged, therefore it depends on what type of surgery is done and how many ducts and nerves have been affected.
  •  Nerves continue to heal after surgery; the more time that has passed since the surgery, the more chance more milk will be supplied. 
  • To have the most chances of success become informed.  Seek help early.
  • Get the best start possible with feeding as soon as possible after delivery and lots of holding skin to skin and frequent feeding. 
  • Ensure that you are confident in assessing how well the baby is “drinking” at the breast.
  •   Keep a feeding diary: record how long your baby is swallowing at the breast, how many wet and dirty diapers there are and have your baby weighed frequently in the first 2-3 weeks. 
  • Your baby should be followed by a lactation consultant.  Click here for help in the Niagara Region.
  • If your baby does not get enough breastmilk, talk to the lactation consultant for options to supplement but continue to feed at the breast. Click here for information about those options.