Did you know October 1-7th is breastfeeding week in Canada? To celebrate, Toronto Public Health is launching a new campaign "Breastfeeding: A way to Care for Our Future." This campaign reminds us that breastfeeding is one way to care for ourselves and the world we live in by improving the health and well-being of parents… Continue reading Happy World Breastfeeding Week!
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.
Can I breastfeed in public?
Yes, you can! Your right to breastfeed in a public place is supported by the Ontario Human Rights Commission. No one should stop a mother from breastfeeding her child, or ask her to cover up or move her to another place to breastfeed. Tips for breastfeeding in public Get comfortable with breastfeeding your baby at home with your… Continue reading Can I breastfeed in public?
Breastfeeding after the first six months
You have given your baby the best possible start by breastfeeding for the first six months. Breast milk is still the most important food during the first year of baby's life. You may want to continue to breastfeed your baby for two years or longer. Your baby will need extra iron at six months. So,… Continue reading Breastfeeding after the first six months
Zika and Breastfeeding
What is Zika? Zika is a virus spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Infection during pregnancy has been linked to a condition called microcephaly, an abnormally small head in newborns caused by disruptions in brain development. This can lead to lifelong developmental problems in the newborn. The overall risk in Canada is very… Continue reading Zika and Breastfeeding
Yes – You can breastfeed and return to work or school!
If you plan to continue breastfeeding when you return to work or school, you can express or pump your breast milk. Your breasts will continue to produce enough breast milk as long as you breastfeed, express or pump often. Any amount of breast milk is good for your baby. When you and your baby are… Continue reading Yes – You can breastfeed and return to work or school!
Sore nipples? Here’s help.
One of the most common reasons mothers quit breastfeeding is because of sore or cracked nipples. Breastfeeding is not meant to hurt. There may be some nipple tenderness after birth but this should get better each day. If your baby is positioned and latched properly, breastfeeding should not be painful. Having a good latch will help you… Continue reading Sore nipples? Here’s help.
Do I have enough breast milk to feed my baby?
Almost all mothers go through a period when they think they don't have enough breast milk. Sometimes mothers worry about this soon after the birth of their baby. Other times it is after breastfeeding is well established. The good news is that most women have more than enough breast milk to feed their baby. Get off to a… Continue reading Do I have enough breast milk to feed my baby?
Make an informed decision about feeding your baby
How you feed your baby will be one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. This information can help you make an informed decision and be on your way to giving your baby a healthy start. Breast milk will help protect your baby from: being overweight or obese bowel disease coughs… Continue reading Make an informed decision about feeding your baby