Getting started with breastfeeding
Giving only breast milk in the first 6 months of life helps your baby fight infections and develop a strong immune system.
People who breastfeed for at least 12 months in their lifetime have lower risk of developing breast cancer. Breastfeeding longer decreases the risk even more.
Breastfeeding your baby in public is a human right in Ontario.
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Getting support from your partner
It's important that partners get time together with their baby early on to help create a special bond. How partners can help:
- Learn to recognize when baby is ready to feed.
- Bring baby to your partner and help position baby when ready to feed.
- Change baby's diapers.
- Hold baby after feedings to help them settle.
- Know the signs that show your baby is feeding well.
- Take over as many household chores as possible.
Colostrum is the first milk your breasts make and it's very important for your baby. Colostrum is made in small amounts, about 1 to 2 teaspoons each feeding. This is all the milk your baby needs until the mature milk comes in after the first few days. Your breasts will begin to feel fuller as colostrum changes into mature milk.
Your body will produce the right amount of milk for your baby.
You may find it helpful to remove milk by hand. Learn about expressing breast milk.
Babies that are fed breast milk need 400 IU of liquid vitamin D once a day from birth until 2 years of age. Learn more about giving your baby vitamin D.
Infant formula has vitamin D added to it. If you are feeding your baby any infant formula, the amount of liquid vitamin D needed will depend on how much formula your baby is drinking.
Start giving your baby vitamin D within the first few days after birth.
How much vitamin D to give your baby each day
| What your baby drinks each day | Amount of vitamin D to give each day |
|---|---|
| Only breast milk | 400 IU |
| Less than 500 ml of infant formula | 400 IU |
| Between 500 to 1000 ml of infant formula | 200 IU (liquid format every day) or 400 IU (drop format every other day) |
| 1000 ml or more of infant formula | No additional vitamin D is needed |
After 1 year of age and when your baby is drinking whole milk, keep giving your baby liquid vitamin D each day until 2 years of age or unless otherwise advised by your doctor.
Vitamin D comes in 400 IU drops or in a liquid that can dispense a 200 IU dose. Your pharmacist can assist you.
Latch means how your baby takes the breast and nipple into their mouth. It should not be painful or damage your nipples.
Before you latch, make sure you are in a comfortable supported position. Use a pillow for your back if needed. Your baby's head and body should also be supported.
You can breastfeed 2 or more babies. Some breastfeed one baby at a time. Others breastfeed both at the same time. It's important that each baby has a good position and latch, and you do what works best for you and your babies.
How to latch
- Hold your baby in your preferred feeding position.
- Wait until baby starts to look for your nipple.
- When your baby feels your breast touch their chin, they will open their mouth.
- Point your nipple towards the roof of your baby's mouth with your baby's head tilted back.
- Pull baby onto your breast. They will take your breast and begin to suckle.
- Look for a wide open mouth with lips curled outwards. The chin should be firmly pressed against your breast and baby's nose tilted away from your breast.
If your breasts feel hard and it makes latching difficult, try the following before feeding to soften the breasts:
- Cool compress to reduce swelling, or
- Warm shower or compress to help soften the breast.
- Massage the breast gently and hand express some milk.
For successful breastfeeding, the position should be comfortable and pain-free.
Your feeding position may change over time as your baby grows. There are several different breastfeeding positions that you can try.
Baby's position:
- Your baby's mouth faces your breast, and baby's tummy faces your tummy. Avoid having your baby on their back.
- Your baby's ear, shoulder and hip need to be in a straight line.
- Support your baby with one arm and use your other hand to support your breast.
- You may use a pillow to help position baby and keep them close to your body.
Learn about the different feeding positions.
Breastfeeding should not be painful. It's important you get help as soon as possible if:
- You are having difficulty latching your baby.
- You have nipple pain or nipple damage.
- Your breasts are hard, and you can't soften them.
- You have a fever or a red, painful area on your breast.
Learn about breast engorgement and other conditions that can interfere with breastfeeding your baby.
Expressing your breast milk is also an important skill which can be helpful in preventing and treating engorgement.
If you’re experiencing nipple or breast pain, we can help. Access our Baby Feeding Support Clinics or talk to a public health nurse.
Learn more about breastfeeding from the Canadian Paediatric Society.
Peel Public Health, William Osler Health System, and Trillium Health Partners in partnership created the Getting breastfeeding started booklet. This resource can be printed and includes a helpful breastfeeding log for new parents.