Breastfeeding

The World Health Organization and Health Canada agree that mother’s milk is the best food that infants can receive. They recommend that infants who are 6 months of age or less be breastfed exclusively. Beyond that age, the child can be introduced to foods that are rich in nutrients–most particularly iron, while still continuing to breastfeed until the age of 2 or longer if the mother and child wish to do so.

From birth to 1 year old, an infant’s nutritional needs are increased due to the rapid growth that occurs during this period. Maternal milk is very nourishing and continuously adapts to the infant’s needs. Therefore, it is considered to be the nutrient by excellence for newborns.

Colostrum is the first form of milk produced during the first days that follow the delivery. It is a yellowish liquid, rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. It cleans the infant’s intestine of any residue that may have accumulated before birth, and protects against infections due to the antibodies it contains.

The milk’s texture changes 2 to 4 days after birth. It becomes more fluid and of a bluish or yellowish white colour, almost transparent. Its content varies during feeding and throughout the day. It is mostly filled with water at the beginning of the feeding in order to quench thirst. Then, it becomes richer in fat and proteins in order to satisfy the infant’s hunger.

Breastfeeding has many advantages for both the mother and the infant. Mother’s milk contains non-allergenic proteins, sugars, and iron that are easily digested as well as enzymes that help digest fat. Furthermore, it protects baby against colds, otitis, and gastrointestinal and respiratory infections. It also lowers the risk of chronic disorders such as diabetes or leukemia. What’s more, breastfeeding promotes cognitive and visual development and reduces risks of allergies and asthma.

For the mother, breastfeeding reduces postpartum bleeding, delays the return of ovulation, lowers the risk of osteoporosis as well as breast and ovarian cancers. Furthermore, breastfeeding allows to lose weight more rapidly since fat reserves are utilized in milk production. Maternal milk is available everywhere, at all times, and is free. It is also organic and ecological.

Breastfeeding is recommended for all infants except in the following cases: infants suffering from galactosemia or infants whose mother is an HIV carrier or suffers from untreated active tuberculosis.

Most medications ingested by the mother can be found in small quantities in the maternal milk. It is therefore of the utmost importance that you consult your physician or pharmacist before taking any medication, to ensure that it is safe for your baby. Mothers who breastfeed must also be careful when consuming natural health products, since these may contain active substances that could be harmful for the baby. In addition to slowing down milk production, the consumption of alcohol can also alter its taste, and reduce baby's intake. Nicotine also finds its way to your maternal milk. It can have devastating consequences on your child, especially on the cognitive development. The regular use of tobacco can reduce milk production by approximately 20%. We should strongly encourage breastfeeding mothers to limit their alcohol consumption and quit smoking or smoke less.

Good quality feedings require good nutrition, good hydration, and rest. Some babies are more sensitive than others to the contents of their mother's diet–to spicy foods for example. Mothers should be more attentive to their infant’s reactions and adapt their diet accordingly. Therefore, it is not necessary to avoid certain foods unless the child has had a reaction after the mother ingested it. The moderate consumption of caffeine could cause additional agitation and irritability for the baby.

We only recommend nutriment supplements when a mother's diet is very strict. With the exception of vitamin D supplements, vitamins and minerals supplements are not recommended for breastfed newborns.

Breastfeeding strengthens the bond between mother and child. It allows for a physical and emotional relationship between the baby and the mother. Learning to breastfeed requires time and patience and it is normal to experience some difficulties at the beginning. Successful breastfeeding techniques are influenced by different social, environmental, and sanitary factors. Community associations, a mother who has once breastfed, and your different healthcare professionals–physician, pharmacist, nurse–can all be excellent sources of advice and help. Don’t hesitate to consult them.

FEDERATION QUEBECOISE NOURRI-SOURCE
6006 de Bordeaux
Montreal (Québec)
H2G 2R7
(514) 948-5160
Web site: Nourri-source
E-mail: nsource@cam.org

LIGUE LA LECHE
2540 Sherbrooke Est st.
Montreal (Québec)
H2K 1E9
(514) 990-8917
Web site: Ligue La Leche
E-mail: information@allaitement.ca

LES MARRAINES D'ALLAITEMENT MATERNEL
1890 Marie blvd
Saint-Hubert (Québec)
J4T 3R6
(514) 990-9MAM (9626)
Web site: MAM
E-mail: info@mam.qc.ca