I am a firm believer in breastfeeding and promote and encourage it whenever I can. However, no one prepared me for how hard it was going to be. I was also not prepared for how physically draining it would be, not to mention the mental exhaustion from being the sole provider of food for someone who eats every 2-4 hours! Not every woman finds this to be the case but I do know there are other women that share this experience.
Despite this, breastfeeding is best and has many positive outcomes for both you and the baby. Below is a list of tips and resources to help you on your breastfeeding journey. If you’re having a difficult time, know that you are not the only one and there is lots of help out there for you. So stick with it, you’ll be happy you did.
My Brestfriend breastfeeding pillow: The name says it all and makes for a more enjoyable experience! This breastfeeding pillow supports your back by wrapping around your body, the strap is adjustable to allow for your ever changing post ‘baby belly’. The fabric is removable and machine washable, the clasp is easily undone with one hand and there's even a pouch for the remote...I mean your parenting book. Available at Toys R’ Us or you may check Kijiji.ca as many women receive many at their shower & sell the extra ones. For more info visit www.mybrestfriend.com
Frozen cabbage leaves for engorgement: I can’t explain it, I’m not a food science expert but I have endured the pain of having my milk come in three times and it’s not as easy as carrying it in from the trunk of your car. I’ve tried ice packs, hot packs, and gel packs, but the cabbage works. It has to be frozen. Rinse the leaves and pat dry, store in a freezer bag. DO NOT COVER YOUR NIPPLES and DO NOT USE AT NIGHT you may risk drying up your milk supply. Also make sure not to leave them on too long or they will start to smell! When you begin experiencing pain, tear off pieces and apply directly to the breast, tucking them into your bra around your breast. It’s a really hot look!
Lansinoh® Brand Lanolin: this topical treatment really soothes and heals sore and cracked nipples. Available at most pharmacies. There are also other products that can assist in this. You may contact an essential oils/natural products expert-Charlene Savoie at her email address: savoiec7@nb.sympatico.ca or 533-4712.
Public Health Nurses You can contact your local Public Health office to receive the updated list of breastfeeding resources and contact numbers.
Moncton City Hospital – Breastfeeding Clinic: 857-5208 (clinic visits 10am-2:30pm by appointment or telephone consultation 8am-3pm)
George Dumont Hospital –
La Leche League is a breastfeeding education and support group. You can call the phone number below or email for support or attend a monthly meeting. The group meets during the day from 10-12. The location changes every 4 months so those interested in meeting details or for support should call Lisa LeBlanc at 204-8482 or email lisa.phil@rogers.com. Meetings are free and open to mothers, expectant mothers and babies. Meetings last 1-2 hours with the first part being a structured discussion surrounding topics such as advantages of breastfeeding, bringing baby home, challenges and difficulties, and weening and first foods. The second part is a social exchange and a chance to talk to the leader one-on-one. You can also visit the national La Leche League website for breastfeeding information, networking and mother to mother breastfeeding support at www.lllc.ca
La rencontre mensuelle de la Ligue La Leche (Dieppe) pour le soutien de l'allaitement maternel aura lieu à la Bibliothèque publique de Dieppe. Les rencontres sont gratuites et en francais. Tous les mamans, femmes enceintes ou non et les bébés sont les bienvenus. Pour tout renseignement, veuillez contacter Anne au 382-8647 ou par courriel à llldieppe@gmail.com ou visitez www.allaitement.ca
Kent Region - VON Healthy Baby & Me breastfeeding peer support 523-8161
Albert region - Albert County Health & Wellness Centre, Susan Bennett 882-3100
Breast Pumps for Sale and Rent
Websites
Canadian Paediatric Society’s website: www.caringforkids.cps.ca
Breastfeeding Made Simple: Advice and techniques for breastfeeding parents www.BreastfeedingMadeSimple.com
Dr. Jack Newman: Breastfeeding Answers www.drjacknewman.com/proddetails.asp?ID=11
La Leche League International supports and encourages breastfeeding mothers: www.lalecheleague.org
Mothers and Babies Research Group: www.mts.ca
Breastfeeding Committee for Canada: breastfeeding support and promotion www.breastfeedingcanada.ca/
International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) aims to improve infant health through Breastfeeding: www.ibfan.org
World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action protects, promotes, and supports the right to breastfeed: www.waba.org
Books
The Breastfeeding Answer Book by Nancy Mohrbacher and Julie Stock
The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers Revised and Updated: The Most Comprehensive Problem-Solving Guide to Breastfeeding from the Foremost Expert in North America by Jack Md Newman (Author), Teresa Pitman (Author)
Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League International.
All the above books are available from www.chapters.ca or www.amazon.ca