What is skin-to-skin? Skin-to-skin contact means holding your baby against your bare chest or tummy. It has many health benefits for both you and your baby. Babies: breastfeed better cry less and are calmer stay warmer have better blood sugar levels Mothers*: breastfeed more easily learn when your baby is getting hungry bond more with… Continue reading Skin-to-skin: The healthiest place to begin
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.
Happy World Breastfeeding Week!
In Canada, Breastfeeding Week is celebrated annually on October 1-7th to promote the importance of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding provides a number of benefits: breast milk helps protect your baby from ear infections, coughs and colds and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome breastfeeding helps protect you from breast cancer, diabetes and ovarian cancer promotes closeness and bonding with… Continue reading Happy World Breastfeeding Week!
Do I have enough breast milk to feed my baby?
Almost all breastfeeding parents go through a period when they think they don't have enough breast milk. Sometimes parents worry about this soon after the birth of their baby. Other times even after breastfeeding is well established. The most common reason for stopping breastfeeding is when parents feel they don’t have enough breast milk. The… Continue reading Do I have enough breast milk to feed my baby?
Can I breastfeed if my baby is teething?
Your baby's first teeth will usually begin to appear between 8 to 12 months. Some signs that your baby is teething include: Increased drooling Swollen gums A tooth visible below the gum Irritability Trouble sleeping Trying to bite, chew, and suck on everything Rubbing her face Rejecting food or breastfeeding Remember: High fever, severe diarrhea… Continue reading Can I breastfeed if my baby is teething?
Family and friends can support breastfeeding
The early weeks after the birth of your baby are joyful and full of new experiences. At the same time they can also be tiring, overwhelming and stressful. As a new parent you can feel both emotionally and physically tired. Your body needs time to recover. You also need time to learn how to breastfeed,… Continue reading Family and friends can support breastfeeding
Cannabis use while breastfeeding
Cannabis is now legal to use in Ontario for people 19 years and older (age may be different in other provinces across Canada). However just because it is legal does not mean it is safe to use while breastfeeding. Cannabis contains many ingredients, the main psychoactive component being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It is safest to not… Continue reading Cannabis use while breastfeeding
Can breastfeeding help with immunization pain?
Vaccines are a routine part of your baby's childhood. They help to keep your baby healthy by protecting your baby against serious infections. However, vaccinations maybe painful and cause stress to your baby. Breastfeeding during vaccination is safe for babies even newborns. Research has shown that breastfeeding during your baby's injections can decrease their pain… Continue reading Can breastfeeding help with immunization pain?
What is jaundice in newborns?
Jaundice is a common newborn condition where your baby's skin turns yellow because there is too much bilirubin in your baby's blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is released when the liver breaks down red blood cells. Your baby's immature liver may not be able to quickly get rid of the large number of… Continue reading What is jaundice in newborns?
Breastfeeding and healthy eating
Enjoy a variety of nutritious foods from Canada’s Food Guide to help you feel your best. When breastfeeding, you should eat a little more food every day. Often, one extra snack per day is enough. This will help you get the calories and nutrients you need. Eating well when you are breastfeeding is important because it… Continue reading Breastfeeding and healthy eating
Can I take medications while breastfeeding?
You may wonder if it is safe to take prescription or over the counter medications while breastfeeding or whether it is wiser to avoid all medications during this time. In almost all cases it is safe to continue breastfeeding while taking medications. Medications and Breast Milk Most medications will get into your breast milk but… Continue reading Can I take medications while breastfeeding?