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BreastfeedingIt’s nature’s way!

BREASTFEEDINGCHALLENGE

Saturday,September 30,

in Montreal

WORLDBREASTFEEDING

WEEKOctober 1-7, 2006

Julie SnyderSpokesperson

“This is a truly amazing event that

offers mothers anopportunity to askall their questions.Even more impor-

tantly, it bringswomen together so

that we can talkabout this utterlynatural practice,

from which we havedistanced ourselves

for far too long.”

is proud to encourage all mothers in the BreastfeedingChallenge!

“I’m glad you’re here.”

www.pampers.ca

September 30, 9 a.m.,at Complexe Desjardins,in Montreal

I simply gave myself up to this little person who taught me to stoptrying to control everything. He was completely dependent on me.I had to feed him, care for him, comfort him and cuddle him. I alsodepended on him. My life was organized around his hunger, his napsand his changing daily rhythms. Little by little, we created a tie muchstronger than the cord that had just been cut.

First I gave him life, and then I fed him.

Many women have never known this state of grace because theyweren’t properly informed, and when the going got tough, they didn’tget enough support, advice and encouragement. If I hadn’t receivedall the information I so badly needed, and if my baby’s father hadn’tbeen so supportive, I would probably have given up.

I was fortunate to have the support of some excellent lactation consultants, and when the public health institute asked me to bespokesperson for the Breastfeeding Challenge, I saw it as chance tohelp others in my own way. The Breastfeeding Challenge was createdto bring together mothers, fathers and families so that they might talk to each other, share their experiences, obtain information andfind solutions to problems they have encountered with breastfeeding.

I invite you to attend this truly amazing event that offers mothers an opportunity to ask all their questions. Even more importantly, itbrings women together so that we can talk about this utterly naturalpractice, from which we have distanced ourselves for far too long.

Julie SnyderThomas’s Mom

“Breastfeeding

my baby changed

my life. Nothing

in my professional

career has ever

made me feel

so satisfied and

complete.”

3| S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 6 |

Breastfeeding festivities takeplace Saturday, September 30,from 9 a.m. to noon atComplexe Desjardins,in Montreal.At 11 a.m., theBreastfeeding Challenge willtry to set a record for themost babies breastfeeding at the same time.

This fun event kicks off World Breastfeeding Week, October 1-7, 2006.

Published by Sun Media Corporation, Corporate Supplements Division.

Publishing, concept and design: Manon Chevalier, Vice-President Copy: Johanne de Bellefeuille, Pierre CoutureEnglish translation: Judith BermanPhotos: Getty Images and Institut national de santé publique du QuébecController: Serge Massé Printing: Quebecor World

Special contributor: Carl Lessard (cover photo and photo on page 3)

Sun Media Corporation Corporate Supplements DivisionPhone: 514 848-0001mchevalier@sunmedia.ca

BREASTFEEDINGIT’S NATURE’S WAY!

Breastfeeding – for life!

2

Breastfeeding

Never mindhow goodbreast milk isfor your baby.The real beauty ofbreastfeedingis how simpleit is!

10 excellent reasonswhy you shouldbreastfeed your baby

1• Breast milk containsvaluable antibodies thathelp prevent disease andinfection in newborns.

2• Breast milk has the perfect balance ofnutrients, vitamins andminerals that infants need,and it is the most easilydigestible.

3• Remarkably, breast milk continues to evolveto keep up with a growing baby’s needs.

4• Long-term studiesshow that breast milk canhelp prevent childhoodobesity and diabetes.

Anyone can learn to breastfeed!

PreparingNo special preparation is necessary.When your baby shows signs of hunger, just settle incomfortably and makesure she is latched on and sucking properly.

PositionsThere is no single “correct”position for breastfeeding.The most important thingis for both you and thebaby to be comfortableand relaxed, so that you can enjoy your timetogether.Whatever position you choose,place the baby facing yourbreast and make sure thather body is in a straightline from ear to hip.

Latching onGood positioning facilitatesa good latch, which helpsprevent sore nipples.Watch carefully and makesure the whole nipple is in the baby’s mouth.

A baby properly latchedon will be covering moreof the areola with herlower lip than with herupper lip. Breastfeedingshould not be painful.If you’re having trouble,speak to your healthcareprofessional or consult asupport group volunteer.

How long per feeding?

When you’re confidentthat the baby is suckingwell and the milk is flowing,let her take as much asshe wants.When she stopssucking, burp her and offerthe other breast, whichshe will only take if she’sstill hungry.

5• Breastfeeding is thebest way to satisfy aninfant’s sucking instinct andneed for physical contact.

6• It’s good for mothers,too! Breastfeeding hasbeen found to provide a measure of protectionagainst breast and ovariancancers.

7• Breastfeeding promotesuterine involution (thereturn to a non-pregnantstate) and helps you lose your “baby fat” morequickly. Breastfeedingexclusively also suppressesmenstruation for at least a little while.

demystified

18• It’s practical andportable. Breast milk is always at the right temperature and there’sno equipment to carryaround or sterilize!

9• Breastfeeding creates a very special relationshipbetween you and yourbaby. It is enormously satisfying, emotionally,and can give you a greatsense of pride.

10• Best of all, you andyour baby are bound toenjoy it!

Need we say more?

4 | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 6 |

Breastfeeding Basics

3 4 5 6 7

When’s dinner? Let baby decide!

In the beginning, it’s hardto know how often yourbaby will be hungry andhow long she will want tonurse each time. As withadults, a baby’s hunger is not something you canset your watch by!

Learn to recognize yourbaby’s hunger signals; don’twait until she starts to cry.You’ll be amazed athow quickly you begin to

In between feedings,spend some time alonewith your baby. A walk,a bath, playing, singing,changing diapers… All these mundane littlethings will help you connectwith your child and builda closer relationship.

Most of all, rememberthat breastfeeding does not exclude you.Your contribution to the experience is very, veryimportant.

notice different eye move-ments, facial expressions,changes in breathing andthe little sucking motions.

For the first few months,expect to breastfeed atleast 8 to 12 times a day.Some babies tend to eatless frequently as they getolder.Trust your baby andyourself.You’ll know whenyour baby is hungry!

either manually or with a breast pump.You canbreastfeed when you’re athome, and express yourbreast milk for when youare away. Breast milk canbe refrigerated or frozen.

Try to wait until yourbaby is used to breast-feeding, and then havesomeone the baby knowswell offer a no-spill cup,regular cup or a bottlecontaining the expressedbreast milk.

Try to stay calm withpeople who seem to bejudging you. Instead ofarguing, focus on the validreasons why you want to breastfeed. Don’t getangry or aggressive.Stay positive and stateyour position calmly andconfidently.

Work and the nursing mother

Some women enjoy ayear or more of maternityleave, while others have togo back to work sooner.But going back to workdoesn’t automaticallymean you have to weanyour baby.

If you can’t be available,or if you can’t have yourbaby at work with you,your best option is toexpress your breast milk,

Standing up for yourself

If people try to discourageyou from breastfeeding,don’t let it get you down. Many of those who criticize the practiceare simply ill informed.

Breastfeeding is not whatmakes your breasts sag.Pregnancy is what causessuch changes in the body.And it’s not true thatbabies cry because yourmilk is not rich enough.There is nothing morenutritious or better foryour baby than yourbreast milk, and babieswill regulate how muchthey need.

When to wean?

Simply put, breastfeedingis good for your baby,and the longer you do it,the better. Many womencontinue to breastfeed formonths and even years.It’s absolutely natural andhealthy for both of you!

Both UNICEF and theWorld Health Organizationrecommend that childrenbe fed breast milk exclusively for the first six months of their lives.While solid foods shouldbe introduced to meetthe needs of the growingchild, breastfeeding shouldbe continued for twoyears or more.

There is no better foodfor a human infant thanbreast milk, and it continues

to be good for babies asthey grow. Over the longterm, breastfeeding is agood choice for both youand your baby. Breast milkis an important source offood energy and vitamins,and it offers protectionagainst many childhooddiseases.The longer youbreastfeed, the more yourchild benefits! Breastfeedingeven reduces teething painand helps your little oneheal those unavoidableboo-boos. As for feedingfrequency, don’t worry.As children get older, theynurse only a few times aday. Extended breastfeedingis an excellent way to give your child a goodhead start in life!

Where Dad fits in

Biological imperativesaside, there are plenty of ways for fathers toenjoy the special time ofbreastfeeding. Dad – yourparticipation is essentialand Mom needs yoursupport! Be there duringbreastfeeding. Be attentive,encouraging and helpful.Taking care of householdduties and looking afterthe older children areamong the things she’llreally appreciate.

Chick pea Cherry or about a teaspoon

Walnut or about a tablespoon

How big is a baby’s stomach?

2 days 6 days 6 months

5| S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 6 |

Breastfeeding

is a unique

experience for

both mother

and baby.

21Comfort and safety first!

There’s no “ideal” positionfor breastfeeding.You and your baby will figureout which position youlike best.The one mostfrequently recommendedis the cross cradle hold.The baby is on his side,facing you, and you support him with thehand opposite to thebreast at which he isfeeding.The baby's bodyshould be in a straight line with his head, with hismouth right in front ofthe nipple. Many womenfind this a practical andcomfortable position.

At night, or if you havehad a C-section, you mayprefer to feed the babywhile you are lying onyour side.This position is very comfortable andrestful and you may evenbe able to take a little nap!

When in doubt, let babydecide what’s best. Ifyou’re not comfortable orif the baby doesn’t seemhappy, speak to someonein the know (a lactationcounsellor, a nurse at your hospital or CLSC,a midwife, etc.).

Sore nipples and how to avoid them

Breastfeeding should bean enjoyable experienceand it shouldn’t hurt.Some nipple sensitivity inthe beginning is normal,but you should not feelany sharp pain. If, despiteyour best intentions, yournipples become crackedand sore, it can makebreastfeeding less thanpleasant. Sore nipplesoccur most commonlywhen the baby is notlatching on well, i.e. nottaking enough of the nipple and areola into his mouth.This can causesharp pain at the start of a feeding.

Continued on page 11

To prevent this, make sureyou and the baby get agood start. Expert advicefrom a nurse or midwifeduring your maternity leavecan be very helpful.Yournipple should be angledslightly upward, towards thetop of the baby’s mouth,and his mouth shouldcover a good portion of the areola. (A babyproperly latched on willbe covering more of theareola with his lower lipthan with his upper lip.) If you are experiencingpain or discomfort and arehaving trouble adjustingthe baby’s position, don’twait to ask for help.

If the damage is alreadydone, one way to relievethe discomfort and

promote healing is toapply a few drops ofbreast milk to your nipplesafter each feeding; the milkitself has healing properties.Be sure to dry your breastswell afterwards, and evenleave them uncovered for a few minutes.

Remember that pain isnot normal. Don’t try to“live with it.”You shouldget help immediately fromexperienced people toavoid problems. Anotherthing you can do is starteach feeding on the sidethat is not sore, or lesssore.When you switchbreasts, the baby will notbe as hungry and won’tsuck as vigorously.

while breastfeeding

Caring for yourself

6 | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 6 |

Preparing for breastfeeding varies according toyour culture and the times.You’ve probably alreadyheard more than you ever thought possible on the subject.What you need to know is thatthe real preparation happens in your own mind.

Don’t waste your time worrying about the thousands of ways to prepare your breasts; yourbody will take care of the job quite naturally.Instead, use this precious time to read, ask questions, speak to nursing mothers and watchthem breastfeed, if you can.

And why not keep a journal? Starting today,and throughout the time you breastfeed yourbaby, you can use the journal to write down your thoughts, fears and memorable moments.It’s a great way to mix business with pleasure,so to speak!

That very first time!As soon as your baby is born, ask that she beplaced right on you, skin against skin, and that she stay there. In addition to keeping her warm,this will help promote nursing: your baby willinstinctively move toward your breast and beginnursing about an hour after birth.This is themoment when the sucking instinct is strongest.It’s the perfect time to begin breastfeeding andget acquainted with your new child.

After nursing for the first time, some babies sleep deeply before wanting the breast again.Take advantage to get some rest, but keep yourbaby near you and watch for signs of hunger.Remember that skin-to-skin contact at any time will stimulate the baby’s urge to nurse.

My breastfeeding

journal

If you’re going to be

giving birth soon, you

want to be prepared,

mentally and physically,

for the breastfeeding

to come.After all, you

are about to embark

on an unforgettable

time of your life!

The first time

24hours

7| S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 6 |

Don’t be surprised if you find it difficult to positionyour baby comfortably or ensure a good latch.Go easy on yourself – remember that you’reboth very new at this! Experienced people areavailable to help guide you and offer good advice.Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

The first 48 hoursIn the first few days, it’s normal for babies tonurse a long time. Even though the quantity ofmilk they absorb is minimal (10 to 100 ml a day),an infant can spend from 45 to 90 minutes at the breast each time. Over the next few days and weeks, your baby will find her own cruisingspeed and feedings won’t last quite as long.

Babies sometimes fall asleep in the middle of a feeding, even if they haven’t finished drinking.Don’t be afraid to wake yours up by talking,singing, or tickling her gently. Stimulating her senses helps develop good feeding habits.

Don’t be surprised at how frequently your babywants to feed: this is completely normal and natural and it promotes lactation.You’ll probablybreastfeed about 8 to 12 times a day. As the daysgo by, there will be more diapers to change, too:at least two a day after 48 hours, and at least sixa day as of day 6.

Your milk will come in somewhere between day 3 and day 5. Hormonal changes will causeyour breasts to swell, and you can expect some emotions to accompany the change.Your babywill probably want more milk during this time,which will relieve the pressure and make you feelbetter. If, despite frequent, efficient feedings, yourbreasts still feel hard and full, you can express a little milk. Above all, do not skip a feeding. Andalways make sure that your baby is properlylatched on and nursing efficiently.

One, two, three… four weeks!After a few weeks, you’ll probably have developedsome routines that make you feel a little moreconfident. If so, good for you! But if you find thatit’s taking longer than you expected, don’t give up:hang in there, relax, and surround yourself withpositive, patient people.

Babies often have frequent growth spurts duringthe first few weeks of their lives. Don’t let yourlittle one’s voracious appetite throw you off. Manywomen mistakenly try to wean their babies duringthis stage because they’re worried they won’thave enough milk.There is absolutely no truth to this, but it’s a persistent old myth! You will not run out of milk.The more your baby nurses,the more milk you will produce.Trust in yourmaternal powers, and remember that your babylikes your breast much more than a bottle!

Go easy on yourself –

remember that you’re

both very new at this!

Many women

mistakenly try to

wean their babies

too soon because

they’re worried

they won’t have

enough milk.

48hours

1 week

2 weeks

3 weeks

8 | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 6 |

Three months and counting…You’ve probably got breastfeeding down to an artby now, and your baby is comfortable and feedingmore regularly.You and your baby are getting toknow each other, too.You are more alert andunderstand more quickly what your baby wants.Your baby is also acquiring skills, and may evenindicate a desire to change breasts if the flow on one side is too slow.

At the age of about three months, babies beginto be much more aware of what’s going onaround them and may become more distractedduring feedings.They are curious and notice anything that moves. Breast milk is still great,of course, but there’s a whole world out there!

Six months old and getting heavy!The biggest changes in a baby’s nutritional needsoccur at about six months.While breast milk is still the best and most important food, at thisstage babies need more than can be provided by breast milk alone.

You can start offering solid foods now, and with good reason: you baby’s weight has probably doubled since birth! Her appetite is changing,too, and she may want to nurse more or less frequently.

Your baby is also trying to attract your attention.Because she can’t speak yet, it’s hard for her tomake you understand, and she may express herfrustration by crying or screaming.Those criescould signify many things – they don’t necessarilymean hunger. For example, as of six months,your baby could be starting to teethe.

First birthday: Cake or milk?Babies generally double their birth weight at six months. By the end of the first year, they have usually tripled it! Many women continue tobreastfeed at this age. Feedings may be much lessfrequent – maybe once or twice a day – and the baby’s desire to nurse usually depends on her mood. As for additional foods, by their firstbirthday, most children are already eating prettymuch what the rest of the family is eating.

Even at this age, though, breast milk remains animportant source of nutrients and it continues to provide protection against childhood diseases and other illnesses.

Already?

18 months

1 year

6 months

1 month

The biggest changes

in a baby’s nutritional

needs occur at about

six months.

9| S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 6 |

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3 4 5 6 7of the refrigerator or abag of frozen vegetables.Your breasts will becomesofter and the next feeding will be easier and much less painful.

Make sure you wear aproper nursing bra that fitswell, and feed your babyas often as possible.You’llfeel much better and yourbaby will be thrilled!

Don’t worry about feeding your baby morefrequently.The amount ofmilk your body producesis governed by thedemand: the more thebaby sucks, the more milk you will produce.You might also considerchanging the pace of yourfeedings, or changingbreasts more frequently.

In short, learn to trustyour body and remindyourself that, except inextremely unusual cases,the “lack of milk” is probably all in your head!

Too much milk?

Your breasts may becomeengorged at any time.This usually happenswhen you have to delay a feeding or if too muchtime elapses betweenfeedings. Milk builds up in your breasts, causing atight, full, painful sensation.

To reduce the pressure,express your milk as fre-quently as possible.Thereis no point in putting upwith the discomfort, andit can lead to infectionand mastitis.

You can relieve the pain byapplying warm compressesjust before a feeding. Placethe compresses aroundyour nipple and leavethem for a few minutes.In between feedings, applycold compresses. Nocompresses handy? Try acabbage leaf straight out

Not enough milk?

A newborn infant shouldfeed 8-12 times or morein each 24-hour period,and should get nothingbut breast milk for thefirst 6 months.

If you’re worried thatyour baby is feeding toofrequently, or gets hungrytoo quickly or cries toomuch, relax! It doesn’tnecessarily mean youdon’t have enough milk.

Human babies aredesigned to digest humanmilk, and it’s perfectly nor-mal for them to becomehungrier more frequentlyduring growth spurts.Also, some babies manageto swallow a great deal of milk in a very shorttime and don’t seem to need long feedings.

Careful with the cosmetics

Every nursing mother hasa right to take good careof her skin and her body!But before you dash offto the cosmetics counter,remember that when it comes to your baby’shealth, less is more.

One basic bit of advice:don’t use perfumed soap,as it can dry out your skin.

Doctors generally don’trecommend any specialcreams for nursing mothers.Some women use them,but given that you have to wipe everything offcarefully before you feedyour baby, using creamscan actually turn out tobe even more irritating to your nipples.

Remember, too, that babieshave a very keen sense of smell, and your naturalodour is comforting toyour infant. Don’t depriveyour baby of that pleasureby drowning yourself inperfumes and scentedcreams.

A good rule of thumb isto start slowly and makesure you are ready to bephysically active again.

Moderate, regular exercisewill actually improve your endurance, so if youhave the time, energy and inclination, go ahead! You’ll feel more energetic,optimistic and confidentfor it.

Get moving… gently!

Your body certainly needs rest after childbirth,but there’s nothing wrongwith a little moderateexercise.

When you’re doing

something this natural,

things are never very

complicated!

Rotate your fingers aroundthe breast and repeat the process to drain theentire breast.You may not express a lot of milkthe first time you try, butyou’ll get better as yougo, and you can practicein the bath or shower.Massaging your breastsbeforehand may help you express more milk.

Some women prefer touse a manual or electricbreast pump. Just be sureto choose a good qualityone that will pump themilk efficiently and notcause injury.

To pump or not to pump?

Whatever the reason, atsome point you may haveto express your breast milk.It helps to be prepared.

Milk can be expressed by hand, or you can use a breast pump.

The advantages of themanual method are thatit’s practical and free.With both hands, slideyour hands from yourchest toward your nipple,but not touching your nipple.With your finger-tips, massage in a circularmotion all around yourbreast. Grasp the areolawith your thumb aboveand one or two fingersbelow. Push in towardyour chest wall, thensqueeze gently, slowlyrolling your fingers towardyour nipple but not ontoyour nipple and takingcare not to slide your fingers along your skin.

11| S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 6 |

3On Mom’s plate

Choose foods that arehigh in protein, vitamin C,“good” fatty acids andcomplex carbohydrates.Follow Canada’s FoodGuide to Healthy Eatingand eat from all the fourfood groups: grain products,vegetables and fruit, meatand alternatives and milkproducts.

Don’t worry! You’ll findthat eating properly is notas complicated as youmight think. For example,meat, eggs and certain fishare very rich in protein.And you can eat all thefruits and vegetables youwant.They are very goodfor you!

Vitamins for vitality

If you want to give yourbaby the best possiblefood, all you have to do is breastfeed. But don’tforget about yourself!Eating well is important to keep you healthy andenergetic.

Be sure to get enoughcalcium and iron, too.Aside from dairy products,good sources of calciumare fatty fish, soy products,sesame seeds, liver andlentils. Green vegetables,dried fruit and whole-graincereals will help you getthe iron you need.

It’s a good idea to avoidor limit your intake of certain kinds of fish whilebreastfeeding because ofcontaminants that can bepassed on to your babythrough your breast milk.Your health care profes-sional can give you moreinformation about this.

In baby’s stomach

Breast milk contains asmall amount of vitaminD, which may not beenough for babies in a northern country likeCanada.Vitamin D isessential for calciumabsorption and healthybone development.Health Canada thereforerecommends that babiesbe given a vitamin D supplement from birthuntil they are gettingenough in their diet.

1

Are your eyes biggerthan your stomach?

Fiction:

When you’re breastfeeding,“eating for two” means eating twice as much.

As for quantity, it is generally recommendedthat pregnant women eat300 to 500 calories morethan normal (normal being1,800 calories a day) andthe same goes for breast-feeding.These amountsare averages and yourneeds may be different,depending on your weightand your metabolism.

The key word is balance.Drinking more fluids isnot going to make youproduce more milk. Ifyou’re dehydrated, you’llfeel thirsty.The same goes for food. Use yourcommon sense and try to eat good, healthy food.Be aware of what you’reeating, and know your limits.

Go ahead and eat normally and don’t obsessabout it. Bon appétit!

Fact:

Nursing mothers are nodifferent from everyoneelse: they should eat welland make sure they get all the nutrients, vitaminsand minerals they need. Ifa nursing mother doesn’teat properly, her baby willstill get what it needs; she,on the other hand, willsuffer the consequences(anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, etc.).

What matters most hereis quality and diversity, notquantity. If you were carefulabout what you ate whileyou were pregnant, all youhave to do is continuepracticing those goodhabits while you arebreastfeeding.

As the months go by

Your nutritional needswhile you’re breastfeedingare pretty much the sameas they were at the endof pregnancy. Don’t makeany dramatic changes inyour routine. Maintain thesame good eating habitsyou developed duringpregnancy, and you’ll bejust fine during breast-feeding.

As your baby grows,his nutritional needs willchange. But you don’thave to alter your diet oreating habits.Your bodywill adapt to your baby’sneeds, and you’ll be ableto start feeding him solidfoods at six months.

2

BreastfeedingWhatever you

eat, the quality

of your milk

will always

be excellent.

12 | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 6 |

Vegetarian or vegan? The difference is significant.Vegans not only don’t eatmeat, they also don’t eatanything that comes fromanimals. If you are a vegannursing mother, you mustpay special attention towhat you eat and makesure you are gettingenough calcium, iron andvitamins. Consider addingsoy milk to your diet, ortaking vitamin supplements.If you’re not careful, youmay become deficient in vitamin B12, which isessential in cell division.Vegan nursing mothersshould take a vitamin B12supplement.

Statistically speaking, ittakes about three hoursfor a 120-pound womanto eliminate the alcoholin one beer or one glassof wine. If you have had a little bit to drink, wait afew hours before breast-feeding, or else expressyour breast milk beforeyou drink so that youhave some on hand incase the baby gets hungry.If you pay careful attentionto when and how muchyou drink, you can continueto breastfeed withoutworrying.

Thinking about drinking

Any alcohol you drink will enter your breast milk.If you breastfeed withinone hour of drinking,you’ll pass that alcohol on to your baby. All youhave to do is time yourdrinking in accordancewith your baby’s feedings,and be sure to drinkmoderately.

4 6But this will in no wayaffect your baby’s appetite.The same goes for spicyfoods, cabbage, asparagus,shallots and so on.

No doctor will tell you to add or remove specificfoods from your diet. Justeat normally and make a balanced selection from a variety of healthy foods.

No need to give up garlic

Aside from very fattyfoods or those containingcaffeine – which youshould eat in moderationwhile breastfeeding – thereare no foods you mustabsolutely avoid.

Of course, you should be aware that whateveryou eat will likely affectthe taste of your milk.If you eat a lot of garlic,for example, your breastmilk may take on thecharacteristic smell of it.

5Breastfeeding for vegetarians

There is absolutely no risk in breastfeedingyour baby if you are avegetarian. However, youhave to make sure youget enough protein andother nutrients to com-pensate for the lack ofmeat. If you’re a vegetarianor planning to becomeone, a dietician or nutri-tionist can help you makethe right food choiceswhile breastfeeding.

Many people who don’t eatmeat do not adequatelymake up for it in otherways. Obviously, duringpregnancy and whilebreastfeeding, it is doublyimportant to be aware of your nutritional needs.

...and eating well

13| S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 6 |

Préparation

Do you have any questions?Would you like some professional advice?

Sometimes a quick call to yourCLSC is all it takes to answer aquestion or relieve your concern.There are all kinds of otherresources and organizations that can help, too. Here is a list of some of them:

Institut national de santépublique du Québec www.inspq.qc.caThe Québec government publichealth website, which features a downloadable guide that newparents will find very useful,called “From Tiny Tot to Toddler :A practical guide to baby care.”

Quebec association ofIBLCE-certified lactationconsultants514 990-0262www.aqcqca.qc.ca

La Leche League 514 990-8917www.lllc.ca

Fédération québécoiseNourri-Source514 948-9877www.nourri-source.org

UNICEFwww.unicef.orgInformation about breastfeedingand UNICEF recommendations.

For your address book

Ingredient Function Breast milk

Water Hydration Yes Yes

Proteins Provide energy and cell-building Yes Yesmaterials and regulate body functions

Carbohydrates The main energy source Yes Yesfor all cells

Fats Store energy for future use Yes Yes

Minerals Cell and bone growth Yes Yes

Vitamins Cell and bone growth Yes Yes

Active enzymes Aid in digestion Yes No• Amylases• Lipases• Lysosymes

Hormones Regulate metabolism Yes No• Cortisol and promotes maturation • Insulin of the immune system• Thyroxin• Prostaglandins

Growth factors Promote growth and Yes No• Human growth development of the intestines

factors• EGF and others

Antibacterial factors Protect against infections Yes No• SIgA, IgM, IgD (E. Coli, S. pneumania,V. cholera…)• Bifidobacterium• Lactoferrin• Oligosaccharides• Lysosymes• Casein• Living cells

in human milk(macrophages,T cells and B cells)

Antiviral factors Protect against viruses Yes No• SIgA, IgM, IgG• Living cells

in human milk(macrophages,T cells and B cells)

Antiparasitic factors Protect against viruses Yes No• IgA

Commercialformula

This table shows

the difference

between breast milk

and commercial

baby formula.

Knowing exactly

what is in each one

can help you make

the best decision

for your baby.

Breast milk vs. commercial formula

This guide is also

available online at

canoe.ca

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Why breastfeed your baby? Because there’s nothing easier or better! Your breastmilk is full of nourishing proteins and antibodies that will protect your babyagainst all kinds of diseases and infections, right from birth. Breast milk promotesbrain development and reduces the risk of diarrhea, diabetes and pneumonia.It is also much easier to digest than commercial baby formula and it’s alwaysthere and ready when baby gets hungry.

Breastfeeding is not just good for babies, it is good for mothers, too. Recentstudies show that it reduces the risk of certain types of cancer, including breastand ovarian cancer. Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of osteoporosis, and it helps you lose weight more quickly.

You may have some difficulty with breastfeeding at first.Take advantage of yourhospital stay to speak to the experienced people available.They can help you get off to a good start, so don’t be afraid to ask!

Whatever trouble you may experience, the important thing is not to give up.Surround yourself with supportive people and don’t wait to ask an expert ifyou’re having problems. Breastfeeding is an unforgettable mothering experiencethat helps you develop a unique connection with your child.

For more information,please visit www.pampers.ca

The Pampers Parenting

Institute (PPI) was

established in October

1996. It is committed

to providing parents

and parents-to-be with

the best in information

and support from

the world’s leading

experts in child health

and development.

Here is some of what the PPI has to say about breastfeeding:

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ISIN

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Let’s hear it for breastfeeding!

Breastfeeding.So simple!

Breastfeeding is healthy, economical

and ecological. You can do it

any time, anywhere, and it’s

great for both mom and baby.

Nothing could be simpler.

Why deny yourself the pleasure?

Breast milk is widely recognized as the bestfood for infants. It also has significantbenefits for both baby and mother. That’s why the Ministère de la Santé et desServices sociaux promotes breastfeeding inits ongoing effort to improve the healthof Quebecers.