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Health Topics - Breastfeeding
The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit promotes breastfeeding as the best way to feed babies. The World Health Organization, Health Canada, Dietitians of Canada, Canadian Paediatric Society and the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario all recommend that baby should receive nothing but breast milk – not even water – for the first six months. Your baby will also need a daily vitamin D supplement during their first year of life. Continue to breastfeed until your baby is two years old or more. The longer you breastfeed, the more benefits you and your baby get.
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Importance of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is important for both mom and baby. Breastfeeding Matters is a great resource available to help breastfeeding families.
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Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI)
The Baby-Friendly Initiative is a global effort to implement practices that protect, promote and support breastfeeding. The initiative encourages health services to provide encouragement and support for mothers to help them start and continue breastfeeding. The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit is currently seeking the Baby-Friendly designation.
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Birth Control and Breastfeeding
There are various options for birth control while breastfeeding. Some may affect your milk supply more than others.
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Breastfeeding 6 months and beyond
Breastfeeding is recommended exclusively for the first 6 months, and up to 2 years of age. Your supply and milk will change as your baby grows and starts complementary foods. There are also unique challenges you may face as your baby gets older.
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Breastfeeding and Tongue Tie
Tongue-tie is a relatively common problem. Babies with tongue-tie may not be able to breastfeed effectively, which can cause sore nipples for mom and poor weight gain for the baby. Most babies will still be able to breastfeed and will not have to have any treatment for tongue-tie.
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Pumping, Storing and Thawing Breast Milk
If you choose to pump and give expressed breast milk to your baby, it’s important to know how to pump, store and thaw breast milk correctly. There are breast pumps available for rental at some pharmacies in Haldimand and Norfolk counties.
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Returning to Work After Baby & Breastfeeding
When returning to work after having your baby, it is important to know your rights if you wish to continue breastfeeding or expressing your breast milk while in the workplace.
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Vitamin D and Breastfeeding
Health Canada recommends that all breastfed infants require a daily vitamin D supplement of 400 IU (10μg). Continue to give your child vitamin D as long as they are breastfeeding (even after they have started complementary foods).
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HNHU Programs and Supports
The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit offers a variety of services to help families with breastfeeding, from home visits to drop-in programs at the EarlyON Child and Family Centre. Feel free to call the Health Unit at any time and ask to speak to a Maternal & Child Health Nurse.
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Helpful Resources
There are lots of helpful resources for breastfeeding. Find trusted information, watch instructional videos, or speak to a live person.
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Adventures in Breastfeeding Videos
The HNHU once again launched their social media campaign, Adventures in Breastfeeding, to celebrate National Breastfeeding Week (October 1st to October 7th 2016). The overall goal of the campaign was to help normalize breastfeeding, anytime, anywhere.
Watch our videos of moms and other community members share their thoughts on breastfeeding -
Breast Infections and Plugged Ducts
Breast Infections (Mastitits) Breast infections most commonly occur 1-3 months after the delivery of a baby. Mastitis is an infection of breast tissue. It usually occurs during breastfeeding, but can occur at other times. It occurs when bacteria, often from the baby’s mouth, enter a milk duct through a crack in the nipple causing painful […]
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Soothers and Pacifiers
You may have people telling you to give your baby a pacifier. Here are some important facts about pacifiers to consider: Pacifier use can lead to problems breastfeeding. It may cause nipple confusion and may reduce mom’s milk supply by reducing the stimulation at the breast. Research suggests that babies who use artificial nipples early on […]
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Grandparents of breastfeeding families
Congratulations! Your grandchild is going to get the best nutrition possible by getting breastmilk. Your support will be very important for your son or daughter. You have a lot to offer!
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