Breastfeeding New Year’s Resolutions

So it’s that time of year when we look back at the year that has flown by and see if we accomplished the goals, or resolutions we set out for ourselves. This year I’m going to ask all of you who are pregnant or breastfeeding to perhaps set a different type of resolution. “Breastfeeding Resolutions”

If you are pregnant plan on breastfeeding your baby.

I often hear the words “I’m going to try and breastfeed”. When I hear this I often think of the words on my favourite LuLulemon clothing bag: “Successful people replace the words wish, should and try with I will”. With that being said many moms will need support to meet their breastfeeding goals.

Prenatally is the perfect time to assemble your breastfeeding support team.
• I recommend moms attend at least one La Leche League meeting while pregnant. La Leche League is an international mother to mother support network. You can find a meeting close to you by clicking on this link: http://www.lllc.ca/
• Also talk to women you know who have breastfed or are currently breastfeeding.
• Read some books on breastfeeding. One of my favourites is “The Breastfeeding Book: Everything You Need to Know About Nursing Your Child from Birth Through Weaning” by Martha Sears R.N. & Dr. William Sears M.D.
• The internet is full of breastfeeding information. Some sites with evidence based information and others not. You can check out a whole list of useful breastfeeding web pages on my website at http://multiplereasons.com/links.html If you find others that you like, let me know!
• Enrol in prenatal classes, preferably one that has an entire class devoted to breastfeeding. You can find a Canadian Certified Childbirth Educator by checking out CAPPA Canada’s webpage at http://www.cappacanada.ca/ or by calling your local Public Health Department. Most Public Health Departments offer FREE prenatal classes and the information is mandated by the Ministry of Health, so is accurate & up to date.
• Finally if you have a history of any medical conditions (diabetes, PCOS, infertility, prior breast or chest surgeries, etc) a prenatal breastfeeding consultation with an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) would be recommended. Check out my prenatal Breastfeeding questionnaire that can be found on my webpage for more information. http://multiplereasons.com/services.html#4th


Become a Peer Supporter
• If you are breastfeeding or have breastfed for a minimum of 6 months and want to help other breastfeeding moms consider providing peer support. The Halton Breastfeeding Connection is a volunteer program that provides mother to-mother telephone support for expectant or breastfeeding mothers. They are always in need of volunteers. You can find out more about the program at this link: http://www.halton.ca/health/services/baby_parent/halton_breastfeeding_connection.htm

Support Organizations & Businesses that support Breastfeeding

• There are many businesses & organizations that support breastfeeding and adhere to the World Health Organizations (WHO) international code of marketing of breast milk substitutes. Don’t know what this is? You’re not alone. You can find out what the WHO code is and why it is so important at INFACT Canada’s webpage: http://www.infactcanada.ca/Int_Code_TOC.htm

For a list of businesses in the Halton Region that support Breastfeeding please check the Halton Baby Friendly Initiative (HBFI) webpage for a listing. http://www.babyfriendlyhalton.ca/babyfriendly_places.html

Wishing you all a Happy & Healthy 2010!
Camilla Aviss RN,BHSc(N),CCCE,IBCLC
Multiple Reasons Lactation Support Services
http://www.multiplereasons.com/