How can I get prepare to breastfeed?
You can get ready to breastfeed before the birth of your baby. Here are a few ideas that could be helpful:
- Attend our prenatal breastfeeding workshop. See our schedule in the activity section. Our prenatal childbirth classes also include a section about breastfeeding.
- Talk about breastfeeding with friends or family members who had a positive breastfeeding experience.
- Talk about breastfeeding with your partner. A partner motivated to help you breastfeed is a wonderful ally and can make a huge positive difference.
- Watch videos of babies who are breastfeeding well to learn to recognize a good latch, for example on Dr. Newman’s website.
- Read about breastfeeding. You can find ideas about reliable sources of information in our Other Resources section.
- Ask to be paired with a breastfeeding support mom.
- Prepare your breastfeeding plan along with your birth plan. See our breastfeeding plan section for ideas of what to include in your plan.
Is it normal for my baby to lose weight right after birth?
At birth, a baby’s stomach is about the size of a cherry, hence newborns can drink only a very small quantity of milk at each feeding. The colostrum, which is the type of maternal milk that is present at birth, is therefore produced in very small quantities. Colostrum is extremely rich in nutriments and antibodies and fulfills all of a newborn’s needs until the milk comes in a few days later. Colostrum is also a laxative, and helps the baby quickly evacuate the first stools, the meconium. It is therefore normal for a baby to lose some weight after birth, approximately 5 to 10% of the initial birth weight.
Furthermore, if the mother had an intravenous perfusion during labour and delivery (for example with an epidural, an induced birth, or during a c-section), the additional liquid intake artificially increases the baby’s birth weight. This excess liquid is then quickly evacuated through urine, which can accentuate the weight loss after birth.
When should my baby be examined after we leave the hospital?
You should have you baby examined by a breastfeeding specialist 1 or 2 days after leaving the hospital. This specialist could be a nurse, a mid-wife, a lactation consultant, or a doctor. Your baby should be examined again about 6 days after birth by your doctor.
When should I start to produce breastmilk, and will I produce enough milk for my baby?
During the first few days, your breasts will produce a small quantity of a special milk called “colostrum”. After 3 to 5 days, your breasts will start to become fuller as they begin to produce maternal milk. You will produce more milk if your baby suckles more often and has a good suction. Most mothers produce enough milk to feed their baby.
What are the signs that my baby is hungry?
Your baby can:
- move his eyes rapidly beneath his eyelids when he starts to wake up to feed;
- make suction and licking movements with his mouth;
- bring his hand to his mouth;
- stretch, and become more agitated;
- make small noises.
It is better to offer the breast to your baby before he becomes too upset or screams loudly.
How can I know that my baby is drinking enough?
If your baby has a good latch (see next question) and you breastfeed her on demand, it is almost guaranteed that she is drinking enough. Here are a few things that you can observe to confirm that your baby is getting enough milk:
· Behaviour :
– Your baby is generally alert and active while he is awake, and he seems happy and satisfied after a feeding.
– Your baby drinks at least 8 times during a 24h period.
· Weight :
– Your baby looses only 5 to 10% of her birth weight during the first 5 days.
– Your baby starts to gain weight by the 5th day, andday and regains her birth weight before the end of the 2nd week.
– Your baby gains approximately 140 g (5 oz) per week after the first week.
· Stools and urine :
– Your baby’s stools, which were black during the first few days, become yellow and soft within the first five days.
– Your baby has at least 3 stools per day from day three up to about 6 weeks.
– From day 5, your baby wets at least 6 diapers per 24h.
– Your baby’s urine is colourless or pale yellow.
How can I know if my baby has a good latch?
You can look at videos that show babies with a good and bad latch to help you recognise when a baby is drinking well at the breast, for example on Dr. Newman’s website.
Here are a few things you can look at to know if your baby has a good latch:
· Your baby’s face, torso and knees are aligned and facing you.
· Your baby’s chin rests firmly on your breast.
· Your baby’s nose and cheek touch your breast lightly, or do not touch it at all.
· Your baby’s mouth is wide open, and a large part of your areola is in his mouth, not just the nipple.
· Your baby’s tongue is positioned over his lower gum, and his lips are curled outward.
· You see or hear your baby swallow.
· After a feeding, your nipples may be elongated, but they are not creased or flattened.
· You do not feel pain, or you feel some pain only at the beginning of a feeding.
If you suspect that your baby has a bad latch, ask for help! You could call your breastfeeding support mom for suggestions or go to a breastfeeding clinic at the CLSC.
What is a growth spurt?
During certain periods, your baby grows rapidly and must breastfeed more frequently. Growth spurts usually occur at about 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. They can last a few days. Your breasts will produce enough milk for your baby during these growth spurts, even if you have the impression that they are empty.
What is cluster feeding?
The term cluster feeding is used when a baby who normally breastfeeds every few hours asks for the breast many times in a row almost without pause. This is entirely normal and can happen at any time of the day, but is more frequent in the evening. Cluster feedings are particularly frequent in newborns. They also become more frequent during a growth spurt. This behaviour is not a sign that you don't have enough milk. On the contrary, it will allow your production to increase along with your growing baby's needs.
Is it normal for a baby to spit up?
It is frequent for a young baby to spit-up after drinking or when they burp. This should not be a problem if your baby shows signs that he drinks sufficiently (see the question “How can I know that my baby is drinking enough?” above). Many babies spit-up less once they are 4 to 6 months old.
How long should I breastfeed?
This is a personal choice. The Canadian Pediatric Society recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and continued breastfeeding, while introducing a variety of solid foods, until the child is two years old or beyond. Many mothers choose to breastfeed for a longer period. There is no age or moment when it is necessary to stop breastfeeding. For example, it is possible to continue breastfeeding when going back to work. If you choose not to initiate weaning off the breast, your child will do it gradually on their own when he or she will be ready, usually between two and five years old.
Should I give vitamins to my baby?
As of 2017, the Canadian Pediatric Society recommends giving vitamin D drops to all breastfed babies. You should discuss this with you pediatrician or family doctor.
Is it safe to breastfeed if I take medications, or if I am sick?
In almost all cases, it is safe to continue breastfeeding. You can contact Mother Risk at 1-877‑327-4636 or ask your support mom who will be able to help you obtain precise information concerning your situation.
What should I eat when I am breastfeeding, and are there foods that I should avoid?
Eat a variety of foods and follow the Canadian Food Guide. Drink when you are thirsty. There are no foods that you should avoid. Some foods can occasionally cause a reaction in the baby if he presents food allergies or intolerances, but this does not occur frequently. Whether or not your diet is optimal, you will produce quality milk that will fulfill all your baby’s nutritional needs.
Where can I find help with breastfeeding?
You can contact us at any time to be paired with a breastfeeding support mom:
(514) 418-2288 extension 0
accompagnement@lamereaboire.org
info@lamereaboire.org
http://facebook.com/lamereaboire
Drop-in breastfeeding clinics:
Mondays and Wednesdays, 1 pm to 3:30 pm
CLSC St-Hubert, Administrative center
5928 Cousineau boul., #200, St-Hubert, room 205
Fridays, 1 pm to 3 :30 pm
CLSC Samuel-de-Champlain
5811 Taschereau boul., Brossard, room 400
Post-birth follow-up, CLSC St-Hubert and Samuel-de-Champlain
(450) 443-7400 ext. 2214
Other resources:
AQC (Quebec Association of IBCLE Certified Lactation Consultants)
Info-Santé (for non urgent health questions): 450-445-4452 or 811
Motherisk (information about medication while breastfeeding): 1-877-327-4636
See also our Other resources section for other resources.
Questions for a Support Mom
You have a breastfeeding question? Ask us, and one of our qualified support moms will be happy to answer.
accompagnement@lamereaboire.org
(514) 418-2288 ext. 0