Infant Feeding Support

 

Today, most babies are breastfed. As more Canadians understand how important breastfeeding is for the health of mothers and babies, more people are supporting mothers to breastfeed for longer, up to 2 years and more. 

 

How you feed your child is an important decision. Breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). They are also less likely to have ear infections and stomach bugs. Breast milk shares antibodies from the mother with her baby (Centre for Disease Control). The Region of Waterloo Public Health encourages all new parents and those with breastfeeding questions to book an appointment within 24-48 hours after discharge to ensure things are going well at home, and to answer any questions that may have come up. 

 

Breastfeeding your Baby

Breast milk is the best food for newborn babies. The Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that newborns only be fed breast milk from birth to about 6 months of age. It is encouraged to breast feed for up to 2 years or more after introducing solid foods as well. 

 

Importance of Breastfeeding

Breast milk contains the everything a newborn baby needs - the perfect amount of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals. It is the easiest milk for babies to digest. As your baby grows, your breast milk changes to meet your baby's needs, including developing the antibodies and other immune factors that protect your baby from infections and disease. 

 

Breastfeeding is important for the mother's physical health, protecting against breast cancer, ovarian cancer and weak bones later in life. For mother and newborn, it helps form a special emotional bond. Learn more: Breastfeeding Your Baby.

 

The Region of Waterloo and the Municipality of Halton have a wealth of resources to support you on your care journey for you and your newborn. Resources are available in many formats to suit your learning needs. 

 

 

In-Person Classes:

 

Virtual Classes:

 

In-Person & Virtual:

  • Breastfeeding Buddies is a volunteer driven program of parents with personal breastfeeding or chest feeding experience.

 

Educational Resources

 

Reading Resources

 

Video Resources

 

Audio Resources

People to support your feeding journey:

 

CMH has specially trained nurses and midwives who can support your feeding goals. There is also a lactation specialist available for in hospital support. Additionally, CMH collaborates with Breastfeeding Buddies, a volunteer support program. You are able to connect with the Breastfeeding Buddies to meet with you during your hospital stay and provide support and resources.

 

The Region of Waterloo Public Health nurses also meet with patients in hospital to offer resources and follow up care to maximize your feeding goals. 

 

Organizational view to support your feeding journey:

 

CMH has implemented several baby-friendly initiatives focused on quality improvement changes. These support parents to maximize their feeding experiences in an unbiased approach. As a Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) best practice spotlight organization, CMH has implemented the best practice guideline for breastfeeding integrating the recommendations into the policies and direct care provided. 

 

Resources to use in hospital:

 

Your obstetric team will provide you with a feeding record to monitor your infant’s intake and output. They will help you to establish a feeding plan for your baby before discharge home.

 

Both CMH and the Breastfeeding Buddies offer hand expression kits for you to use during the early days of feeding your infant. Hospital grade breast pumps are also available for use with the purchase of a pump kit (available in both single and double kits).

 

The nursing team is also equipped with different breastfeeding tools and accessories to help you navigate feeding challenges you may experience during your hospital stay. Ask your care provider to learn more.

 

CMH also has a dedicated breastfeeding room for use within our Women and Children’s department. Ask your care provider to learn more. 

 

Recognizing your baby's feeding cues

Following your baby's lead when it comes to their hunger. Look for actions such as rooting reflex, chewing or sucking on their hands or fingers. 

 

Early feeding cues or signs such as stirring, mouth opening and closing, turning their head or seeking/rooting, indicate the best time to feed.

 

three panel image showing early signs of hunger in your baby.

 

Mid cues are actions such as stretching, increasing physical movement and hand to mouth. 

 

three panel image showing mid cue signs of baby's hunger

 

Late cues are actions such as crying, agitated body movements, their colour is turning red. Often baby will need to be calmed first before the feeding can begin. 

 

three panel image showing late signs that baby is hungry

Photos courtesy of: Signs of hunger | Health and wellbeing | Queensland Government

 

Understanding Position and Latching

Breastfeeding is a coordinated effort of synchronized movement. Think about how you will position your body when feeding your baby. Good positioning and latching is important for building and maintaining your milk supply. 

 

Learn more: Positioning and Latching - La Leche League Canada

 

Learn more: Signs that my baby is getting enough milk - Best Start Guide

You will be supported to make an informed choice for feeding your infant. These websites contain valuable resources for both formula feeding and breastfeeding: 
 

Know Your Care Options includes a full list of healthcare options for you within the Region of Waterloo and Wellington County. 

 

 

In-Person Support

 

Virtual Support:

 

Reading Resources: