How you choose to feed your baby is up to you. We respect the decision you make around how you want to feed your baby. Breastfeeding may be the natural way to feed your baby, but it does not necessarily come naturally. It sometimes takes dedication, determination and lots of support.

Women in midwifery care have better breastfeeding rates than the provincial average (91% vs 59%). The attentive postpartum care you receive from your midwife in the early days, when breastfeeding is being established, makes it easier for your midwife to spot any breastfeeding issues early before it becomes a bigger problem. It also gives us a chance to let you know how well you and your baby are doing.

Your midwife understands that successful breastfeeding begins at birth. Your baby usually is delivered onto your abdomen so baby has skin to skin contact right away. Skin to skin has been shown to improve newborn transition from the womb to the outside world, helps to regulate your baby’s temperature, breathing and blood sugar levels.

It is also the first step to successful breastfeeding. If you are unable to do skin to skin immediately following the birth, your partner is invited to do so. Within the hour, your baby will show signs that they are ready to feed. Your midwife will help you latch your baby to the breast.

To help with breastfeeding your midwife will:

At the Time of Birth:

• Encourage skin to skin contact
• Teach you how to latch baby to breast
• Discuss infant feeding patterns
• Discuss normal output (pees and poos) for newborn

In follow up visits:

• Check on your baby’s health and weight gain and make recommendations
• Assist with latch issues
• Refer you to lactation consultant if needed
• Treat breast infections such as mastitis and yeast