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.

  Learn More About the Importance of Breastfeeding
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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.

  Learn More About Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI)
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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.

  Learn More About Birth Control and Breastfeeding
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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.

  Learn More About Breastfeeding 6 months and beyond
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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.

  Learn More About Breastfeeding and 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.

  Learn More About Pumping, Storing and Thawing Breast Milk

• 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.

  Learn More About Returning to Work After Baby & Breastfeeding
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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).

  Learn More About Vitamin D and Breastfeeding
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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.

  Learn More About HNHU Programs and Supports
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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.

  Learn More About Helpful Resources
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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
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  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 […]

  Learn More About Breast Infections and Plugged Ducts
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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 […]

  Learn More About Soothers and Pacifiers