Despite the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, as well as the Canadian Pediatric Society, and Health Canada recommendations that all healthy term infants be "exclusively" breastfed for 6 months, and breastfed for up to 2 years, this just isn't the case in Canada.
Canadian Hospitals indicate up to 87 % of mothers of term infants leaving hospital are breastfeeding their infants, but many stop within the first week. Even more stop within the first month, and less than 20 % are still exclusively breastfed at 6 months.
One of the reasons many mothers stop breastfeeding their babies is the belief, either perceived or actual, that they don't have enough milk. Another reason is pain or difficulty with latching, which I will blog about next month.
There are many ways to see if your baby is "getting enough milk", and moms should be aware of these indicators prior to having the baby. Mom's should count the number of wet and BM diapers per day. The first week the baby should have the same number of wet / or BM diapers for the number of days old the baby is. One diaper day 1, two diapers day 2, and so on until day 6. After day 6, babies should have 6 (or more) wet diapers per 24 hour day. BM's can then be frequent & soft or can be infrequent but still soft, seedy and between yellow and brownish. Moms should see and hear baby swallowing at the breast. They should feed 8-12 times in 24 hours. Moms can sometimes feel their milk letting down when the baby nurses well. Term newborns are expected to regain their birth weight by 2 weeks of age.
Knowing what to expect, and having peer support, are two great influences on mothers continuing to breastfeed their infants with confidence.
The Bancroft Family Health Team runs a breastfeeding support group for pregnant women and for moms with babies, the last Wed. of each month at the North Hastings Children's Services (Day Care center/ Early Years Center) in the Family Resource Room from 6-7:30. Next meeting May 30/12. Call if you have question 613 332 6783 EX 232
