Being pregnant and giving birth in a new country can be exciting, stressful and scary at the same time. Prenatal care, birth practices, and traditions surrounding the birth of your baby can differ from country to country. Many individuals face challenges adjusting to their new country. For example, language barriers, employment, financial worries and lack… Continue reading Giving birth in a new land
Author: Susan Gallagher RN
I have a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing and I am the mother of 3 children. I have been a nurse for 30 years and employed with Toronto Public Health as a Public Health Nurse for over 20 years. I have worked with families in the prenatal, postnatal and parenting programs.
How to prepare for breastfeeding before or during pregnancy
Thinking about how you will feed your future baby may be the furthest thing from your mind. After all, why would you think about feeding a baby if you don’t have a baby or aren't pregnant yet? Studies show that most parents decide how to feed their baby before they are pregnant. Deciding early about… Continue reading How to prepare for breastfeeding before or during pregnancy
Breastfeeding can be effective in preventing pregnancies
Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) is a natural form of birth control method that uses breastfeeding* to prevent ovulation. However breastfeeding is only a reliable form of birth control when all these conditions are met: Your baby is under 6 months Your monthly period has not returned Your baby is fully or nearly fully breastfed Your baby… Continue reading Breastfeeding can be effective in preventing pregnancies
A good latch is important for breastfeeding
Latching is how your baby takes your breast and your nipple into their mouth. A good latch is very important for breastfeeding. Having a good latch will help your baby to breastfeed well. A poor latch can lead to: a hungry baby sore nipples decreased milk supply Some babies can latch themselves while others may… Continue reading A good latch is important for breastfeeding
Where to get breastfeeding support during the COVID-19 pandemic
Just had a baby and not sure where you can go for breastfeeding support? So many services have changed due to COVID-19. Some clinics have closed and others are only offering virtual services. Toronto Public Health is offering telephone and virtual breastfeeding support by video call if needed. If you would like a Public Health… Continue reading Where to get breastfeeding support during the COVID-19 pandemic
Can I breastfeed if I’ve tested positive for COVID-19?
Have you tested positive for COVID-19 and are wondering if you can still breastfeed? There is currently not a lot of information about breastfeeding and COVID-19, however we do know that with other coronavirus infections, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), the virus has not been found in… Continue reading Can I breastfeed if I’ve tested positive for COVID-19?
I’ve tested positive for COVID-19 and have a new baby at home. What should I do?
Congratulations on your new baby! Having a new baby is exciting but with a diagnosis of COVID-19, it can be very stressful. Based on current information, babies and children do not appear to be at higher risk for getting COVID-19 than adults, and the symptoms and complications of COVID-19 appear to be milder in babies… Continue reading I’ve tested positive for COVID-19 and have a new baby at home. What should I do?
Positioning of baby: A key to successful breastfeeding
Proper positioning of your baby is one of the keys to breastfeeding success. A good position can prevent many breastfeeding problems such as sore nipples and low breast milk supply. There are many different breastfeeding positions to try and some may work better for you depending on your baby's size, your breast size and shape… Continue reading Positioning of baby: A key to successful breastfeeding
Help with sore nipples
Sore nipples is one of the most common reasons breastfeeding parents stop breastfeeding. However breastfeeding is not meant to hurt. There may be some nipple tenderness in the first week after birth but this should get better each day. Breastfeeding should not be painful when your baby is positioned and latched properly. If you have… Continue reading Help with sore nipples
Breastfeeding your baby in an emergency
Emergencies often occur when least expected, when we are least prepared and with no time to plan. Every emergency is different and can include a wide range of unsettling events. They can be the result of natural disasters such as a blizzard, floods or earthquake. Your family could be left without electricity, clean drinking water… Continue reading Breastfeeding your baby in an emergency