Baby's First Year · Breastfeeding

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?

Baby's First Year · Breastfeeding · Parenting · Pregnancy

Resources and support for new parents

Having a baby can be a very exciting time but it can also be a time of uncertainty and worry because you are facing a world that is unknown and new to you.  I remember when I had my first baby, I had so many mixed emotions and I wanted to do the very best.… Continue reading Resources and support for new parents

Breastfeeding · Pregnancy

Can I still breastfeed my baby while pregnant?

Congratulations on your pregnancy! Many new parents want to know if it is safe to breastfeed when they are pregnant. You may worry that breastfeeding will hurt your unborn baby and that it will interfere with your pregnancy. You may wonder will I have enough milk for my older child and can I breastfeed two… Continue reading Can I still breastfeed my baby while pregnant?

Baby's First Year · Breastfeeding

Can breastfeeding be a reliable method of contraception?

Did you know that, even when breastfeeding (also known as chestfeeding), it is possible to become pregnant again just weeks after delivering a baby? Using breastfeeding as a natural method of contraception, also known as Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM), relies on breastfeeding hormones to suppress ovulation.  Without ovulation the body cannot get pregnant. Breastfeeding can… Continue reading Can breastfeeding be a reliable method of contraception?

Breastfeeding · Parenting · Pregnancy

Happy World Breastfeeding Week!

In Canada, Breastfeeding Week is celebrated annually on October 1-7th to promote the importance of breastfeeding. The slogan this year is Breastfeeding: Foundation of Life. Breastfeeding provides the foundation for good health for mothers and babies. Here's how: Helping the Environment No waste No utilities required No emissions from transport trucks Sustainable Natural source of… Continue reading Happy World Breastfeeding Week!

Breastfeeding · Nutrition · Pregnancy

Top 5 tips for following a Vegan diet during pregnancy & breastfeeding

Following a vegan diet has become more popular among pregnant & breastfeeding individuals. Have a look at what Cristina Benea, Master of Public Health student, has summarized for this blog. What is a vegan diet? A vegan diet is a type of vegetarian diet that only includes vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. A… Continue reading Top 5 tips for following a Vegan diet during pregnancy & breastfeeding

Baby's First Year · Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding in Toronto: 2017 results are in!

In 2017, Toronto Public Health surveyed over 1,000 moms in Toronto whose babies were 6 months old. We wanted to find out how they were feeding their babies in the first 6 months of life. You may have been one of the mothers we contacted! Here's what we found out: 98% of Toronto moms fed… Continue reading Breastfeeding in Toronto: 2017 results are in!

Breastfeeding · Parenting

Breastfeeding in public

Many mothers are comfortable breastfeeding in public. But maybe that's not you. If you feel anxious about breastfeeding in public these tips can help you: Get comfortable with breastfeeding your baby at home with your family and friends before you breastfeed in public. Wear comfortable clothes, a loose fitting top, or a breastfeeding top. Use a blanket… Continue reading Breastfeeding in public

Baby's First Year · Breastfeeding

Is my newborn baby’s runny stool normal or is it diarrhea?

At the breastfeeding clinic, I have quite a few new parents expressing their concerns that their baby may be having diarrhea. I hear "my baby's stool is liquid and runny" or "my baby has a bowel movement every time I change their diaper".  On the other hand, some parents are not so concerned when their… Continue reading Is my newborn baby’s runny stool normal or is it diarrhea?

Baby's First Year · Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding: Signs that your baby is swallowing breast milk effectively

As a nurse, many parents express concerns like "My baby seems to be sucking at the breast but I am not sure if he is actually drinking my breast milk". Often clients show up at the breastfeeding clinic asking for advice about what a good breastfeeding looks like. A good breastfeeding can look very different… Continue reading Breastfeeding: Signs that your baby is swallowing breast milk effectively