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Health Care Providers and educators may be interested in our printed materials meant to supplement the information found on our website. Printed Materials Printable resources that complement the content on aboutbreastfeeding.ca have been created and are available for use by Canadian health care organizations who agree conditions for use. These materials are designed to support health care professionals, lactation consultants, and educators in providing consistent information to parents and links to the website Aboutbreastfeeding.ca. The terms of use ensure a collaboration is established with users to ensure the quality and effectiveness of our resources, we invite health care organizations in Canada to request copies of specific materials. Your collaboration will help us ensure our materials meet the needs of parents and health care professionals using them. Request Printed Materials If you are a member of a Canadian healthcare organization interested in using our materials, please reach out to us at breastfeedingstudy@ontariotechu.ca .

Visit our video and reference library to see videos from Lactation Professionals on how to breastfeed as well as videos used through the website, references from studies that have been used through the website, and acknowledgements to individuals and groups involved in the creation and management of this website. Video & Reference Library Welcome to our video library. We have included a variety of instructional videos to help you on your breastfeeding journey. The information on this website is for basic information purposes only and should not be used in place of medical advice or care. Please consult a health care provider or lactation professional in your area regarding any concerns and to receive personalized care. The information on this website has been reviewed (2025) by a lactation consultant IBCLC, RN and Baby-Friendly Initiative Assessor and Trainer (WHO/UNICEF). All criteria that meet the requirements of the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes and subsequent relevant WHA Resolutions and embrace the WHO “Ten Steps” to Successful Breastfeeding are met in this resource. Jennifer Abbass Dick RN, IBCLC, PhD VIDEOS How the Breast Makes Milk Changes in Breast Milk Offering Both Breasts at Each Feed How to Know Your Baby is Getting Enough Breast, Nipples & Areolas Say NO to Nipple Feeding Making Breastfeeding Comfortable for You Watch the FULL VIDEO on Human Lactation Stephanie George B.A. (Hons), IBCLC, Ogwehonwe Midwife VIDEOS Preparing to Breastfeed How the Breast Makes Milk Supply & Demand Baby Led Latching Positioning & Latch How to Know Your Baby is Getting Enough Getting Help Watch the FULL VIDEO on Lactation More Videos About Breastfeeding Why Breastfeed The Importance of Breastfeeding The Immune Protection Breastfeeding Provides What do Health Care Professionals Have to Say? The Cost of Infant Feeding The Creators Gift to Mothers How to Breastfeed The Breast Makes Milk Milk Supply Baby-Led Latching or Laid Back Breastfeeding Baby Latching Animation Breast Compressions Mom and Baby Come Together to Feed What to Expect When Breastfeeding Breastfeeding in the first few hours Getting Support Co-parenting and Breastfeeding La Leche League Breastfeeding Videos in Other Langauages Sick Kids Breastfeeding Learning Global Health Media Droplets References Abbass-Dick, J., Dubrowski, A., Micallef, J., Harvie, L., Newport, A., Pigeau, K., Jeronymo, H., Lemonde, M. (2024). Health care providers’ perceptions of barriers, facilitators, and acceptability of an eHealth resource: Descriptive study. International Health Trends and Perspectives, 4(1), 68–87. https://doi.org/10.32920/ihtp.v4i1.1938 Abbass-Dick, J., McQueen, K., Lemonde, M., Dubrowski, A., & Dennis, C.-L. (2023). Health literacy: A missing link to breastfeeding protection, promotion and support? . International Health Trends and Perspectives, 3(3), 365–374. https://doi.org/10.32920/ihtp.v3i3.1935 Abbass-Dick, J., Sun, W., Newport, A., Xie, F., Micallef, J., & Dubrowski, A. (2023). Maternal and co-parental experiences and satisfaction with a co-parenting breastfeeding eHealth intervention in Canada. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 72, 135-145. Abbass-Dick, J. & Keenan-Lindsay, L. (2020). Nursing care of the woman and family after birth. In L. Keenan-Lindsay (Ed.), Leifer’s Introduction to Maternity and Pediatric Nursing in Canada (1st ed.). (pp. 216-250). Cambridge, MA: Elsevier. Abbass-Dick, J., Sun, W., Newport, A., Xie, F., Godfrey, D., & Goodman, W. M. (2020). The comparison of access to an eHealth resource to current practice on mother and co-parent teamwork and breastfeeding rates: A randomized controlled trial. Midwifery, 102812. Abbass-Dick, J., Xie, F., Koroluk, J., Brillinger, S. A., Huizinga, J., Newport, A., & Goodman, W. & Dennis, C. L. (2018). The Development and Piloting of an eHealth Breastfeeding Resource Targeting Fathers and Partners as Co-parents. Midwifery, 50, 139-147. Abbass-Dick, J., Brolly, M., Huizinga, J., Newport, A., Xie, F., George, S. Sterken, E. (2017). Designing an eHealth Breastfeeding Resource with Indigenous Families Using a Participatory Design. Journal of Transcultural Nursing: DOI: 10.1177/1043659617731818 Abbass- Dick, J., Chyzzy, B., Newport , A., Huizinga, J., Xie , F. (2020). Designing an eHealth Breastfeeding Resource with Young Mothers Using a Participatory Design. Journal of Transcultural Nursing. doi:10.1177/1043659620957065 Markman, H. J., Stanley, S. M., & Blumberg, S. L. (2010). Fighting for your marriage: A deluxe revised edition of the classic best-seller for enhancing marriage and preventing divorce. John Wiley & Sons. (112-114 & 173-179) Acknowledgements Creators of this site are not responsible for any content on websites accessed through links. About Breastfeeding is currently being maintained, developed and evaluated through a joint partnership involving teams from Ontario Tech University, Durham Region Health Department and Lakeridge Health under the leadership of Dr. Jennifer Abbass Dick. About Breastfeeding replaces our original website, created in 2020, Breastfeeding Information for Parents. The information contained in this website can be used for educational purposes, which support, promote, and protect breastfeeding with credit given to About Breastfeeding. To use this information for alternative purposes, permission must be sought at breastfeedingstudy@ontariotechu.ca Disclaimer This resource provides information about breastfeeding so visitors can understand how breastfeeding works, what to expect while breastfeeding, how to assess how breastfeeding is going, and when and how to access support to help meet breastfeeding goals. The terms mothers and breastfeeding are used throughout the resource, we acknowledge and respect that some users may prefer to use other terms. The information on this website is for basic information purposes only and should not be used in place of medical advice or care. Please consult a health care provider or lactation professional in your area regarding any concerns and to receive personalized care. Professional & Clinical Review - June 2025 The information on this website has been reviewed by a lactation consultant IBCLC, RN and Baby-Friendly Initiative Assessor and Trainer (WHO/UNICEF). All criteria that meet the requirements of the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes and subsequent relevant WHA Resolutions and embrace the WHO “Ten Steps” to Successful Breastfeeding are met in this resource. Text Content A portion of the content has been copied/adapted from the “Breastfeeding Matters” resource with permission from Best Start Resource Centre. Best Start Ontario. (2011). Breastfeeding Matters: An Important Guide for Breastfeeding For Women and their Families . Retrieved October 2013. Content has been updated to align with the 2020 version Updated 2020 . Videos of Mothers Breastfeeding Videos of mothers and infants breastfeeding included in the videos “The Breast Makes Milk” and “The Baby Latches, Suckles, and Drinks” are provided by the International Breastfeeding Centre and can be found at their website: https://ibconline.ca/breastfeeding-videos-english/ Additional Videos and Content Videos provided by Peel Public Health have been placed on the website with permission. For more information, please visit https://peelregion.ca/children-parenting/feeding-baby/breastfeeding-your-baby Funding This work has been supported by funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

Visit our video and reference library to see videos from Lactation Professionals on how to breastfeed as well as videos used through the website, references from studies that have been used through the website, and acknowledgements to individuals and groups involved in the creation and management of this website. Acknowledgements Creators of this site are not responsible for any content on websites accessed through links. About Breastfeeding is currently being maintained, developed and evaluated through a joint partnership involving teams from Ontario Tech University, Durham Region Health Department and Lakeridge Health under the leadership of Dr. Jennifer Abbass Dick. About Breastfeeding replaces our original website, created in 2020, Breastfeeding Information for Parents. The information contained in this website can be used for educational purposes, which support, promote, and protect breastfeeding with credit given to About Breastfeeding. To use this information for alternative purposes, permission must be sought at breastfeedingstudy@ontariotechu.ca Disclaimer This resource provides information about breastfeeding so visitors can understand how breastfeeding works, what to expect while breastfeeding, how to assess how breastfeeding is going, and when and how to access support to help meet breastfeeding goals. The terms mothers and breastfeeding are used throughout the resource, we acknowledge and respect that some users may prefer to use other terms. The information on this website is for basic information purposes only and should not be used in place of medical advice or care. Please consult a health care provider or lactation professional in your area regarding any concerns and to receive personalized care. Professional & Clinical Review - 2026 The information on this website has been reviewed by a lactation consultant (IBCLC), RN and Baby-Friendly Initiative Assessor and Trainer (WHO/UNICEF). Our aim is to have the content on this website be consistent with the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and subsequent relevant WHA Resolutions and embrace the WHO and UNICEF "Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding". Text Content A portion of the content has been copied/adapted from the “Breastfeeding Matters” resource with permission from Best Start Resource Centre. Best Start Ontario. (2011). Breastfeeding Matters: An Important Guide for Breastfeeding For Women and their Families . Retrieved October 2013. Content has been updated to align with the 2020 version Updated 2020 . Videos of Mothers Breastfeeding Videos of mothers and infants breastfeeding included in the videos “The Breast Makes Milk” and “The Baby Latches, Suckles, and Drinks” are provided by the International Breastfeeding Centre and can be found at their website: https://ibconline.ca/breastfeeding-videos-english/ Additional Videos and Content Videos provided by Peel Public Health have been placed on the website with permission. For more information, please visit https://peelregion.ca/children-parenting/feeding-baby/breastfeeding-your-baby Funding This work has been supported by funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

Guidance from lactation professionals on what to expect when you are breastfeeding a newborn, including changes to your breasts, when to wake a baby to feed, frequent feedings. premature babies, c-section births, tandem feedings, and breastfeeding siblings. Also includes information on how to know your baby is getting enough milk and signs that feeding is going well. What to Expect When Breastfeeding a Newborn The First Six Weeks The Amazing Female Breast The baby opens their mouth wide and takes in a large mouthful of breast tissue. The baby's head is tilted back with the chin and lower lip brought in deep to the breast, the nose is not touching the breast. Baby's suckle tells mom's breast to start making milk. Once milk is made, more suckling causes milk to be released for baby. The female breast has the ability to deliver exactly what your baby needs - the right type and amount of milk to meet your baby's health and developmental needs. How? The type of milk your breast produces changes as your baby grows. That is why experts recommend that babies be fed only breast milk for the first six months and that breastfeeding continue once solids are introduced. The breast also responds to cues from your baby. Suckling tells your body to make milk. More suckling tells your body to release the milk for your baby to drink. Learn More Changes in Your Breasts You probably noticed changes to your breasts throughout your pregnancy as your breasts started getting ready to feed your baby. Most mothers will notice some breast growth, change in colour of the areola, tenderness and the appearance of noticeable veins in the breast during pregnancy. Once your baby is born, you may notice more changes to your breasts, including: Increased fullness - once your baby drinks the first milk from your breast, the colostrum, the breast starts trying to figure out exactly how much milk your baby needs. At around 2-4 days after giving birth, you may notice that your breasts are fuller and heavier. This will subside if your baby is feeding often and removing enough milk. If the feeling of fullness becomes painful, your breasts may be engorged. Click HERE for suggestions on how to deal with engorgement. Nipple tenderness - your nipples may feel tender at the start of a feed. This tenderness should go away as your baby sucks and starts to drink. If the tenderness does not go away, try a different breastfeeding position and try to re-latch your baby. Do your best to help guide your nipple to the back of baby's mouth. If baby's mouth covers a good amount of areola and breast tissue, not just the nipple, it is less likely to lead to nipple tenderness. Click HERE for suggestions on how to deal with sore nipples. New sensations - some mothers may feel a new sensation when the milk ejection reflex releases, or delivers, the milk from the breast, also known as "let down". For most mothers, this improves or becomes more familiar with each breastfeed. Leaking - some mothers find that their breasts leak milk during the first few weeks of breastfeeding as the breast is trying to determine how much milk the baby needs. Some women may notice leaking before a feed or from the breast not being suckled during a feed. As well, just hearing a baby cry may trigger the Milk Ejection Reflex and lead to leaking. As the lactation system matures, the breast learns how much milk to make for your baby and the leaking usually lessens or stops. Breast pads may help keep you comfortable if you are experiencing leaking. To wake or not to wake? When to wake your newborn baby to breastfeed. Wake your baby to feed if: In the first few days of life, wake your baby to feed if your baby does not wake on their own within 2-3 hours of breastfeeding. Parents may also have to work to keep their newborn baby awake during feeds. Breast compressions during feeds can help keep your baby actively feeding at the breast. Let baby sleep if: Baby is waking at least 8 times in 24 hours to feed. Baby stays awake at the breast. Baby shows signs of satisfaction after feeds. Baby is having the appropriate number of wet and dirty diapers for their age. Baby is gaining weight. Baby has a wet, pink mouth and bright eyes. In these situations, follow baby's cues for feeding - called responsive cue-based feeding. Click HERE to download or read the Sleep Well, Sleep Safe booklet provided by Best Start for tips and answers to frequently asked questions about sleep. Breastfeeding a New Baby Frequent Feedings During the first few days, it might seem like your baby is feeding very frequently. That is natural. When the baby is first born, the breast is full of colostrum . Colostrum is very nutritious, it comes in smaller quantities and it takes longer to remove from the breast compared to more mature milk. Let your newborn baby feed as long as they want - colostrum will help with nutrition, immunity and stimulating bowel movements so it is important the baby gets as much as possible. Frequent feeding, which can also occur when the baby gets older, may be referred to as cluster feeding. With cluster feeding, the frequent breast stimulation helps increase a mother's milk supply to meet the needs of your growing baby. Early Arrivals When your baby is premature Breast milk is very important for premature babies . The breast milk of a mother who has delivered early is different and specially designed to meet the needs of preterm babies. This breast milk is higher in proteins, fats, sodium, iron, chloride and other nutrients. Holding your premature baby skin-to-skin is very good for both you and your baby and it will help your body produce the hormones that impact your milk supply. This is sometimes called Kangaroo Mother Care. Preterm babies often have a weak suck, which will get stronger with age. For this reason, mothers of preterm babies may want to continue to use alternate methods of milk removal such as hand expression and pumping breast milk to build your milk supply and provide it to your growing baby. Work with your lactation professional to create a plan that works best for you. More on Breastfeeding an Early Preterm Baby More on Breastfeeding a Late Preterm Baby Caesarean Birth Many mothers who breastfeed have given birth by Caesarean Section. Here are some tips to help get breastfeeding off to a good start: Take the recommended pain medication in the early days; ask your health care provider for a medication that is safe to take while breastfeeding. Breastfeed your baby early after the birth, in the recovery room if possible. Breastfeed your baby often, at least 8 times in 24 hours. Find breastfeeding positions that are comfortable for you. Hold your baby skin-to-skin often and between feeds. Get plenty of rest and spend time with your baby. Get up and walk around periodically, a little movement will help the recovery. Ask for help with meal preparation and housework from family and friends. Siblings If this is not your first baby, you may wonder about the best way to explain breastfeeding to your older children. You may also wonder how you will occupy them while you are breastfeeding your baby. Many mothers find explaining what they are doing in plain language and inviting their older child to sit with them during breastfeeds helps their older child understand and be part of the breastfeeding experience. Since mothers are often sitting and relaxing during breastfeeds, older siblings may enjoy the opportunity to read, draw, or just visit with their mother at that time. Because mothers can breastfeed anywhere, anytime, they often find that breastfeeding is easy to do while also caring for their older children. Tandem Feeding Tandem feeding refers to breastfeeding two children at the same time. Some mothers may still be breastfeeding a child when they are pregnant and at the time of delivery. Many mothers want to continue to breastfeed their older child once their new baby is born. Here are three things to consider if you are tandem feeding: 01. 01. 01. 01. Prioritize your newborn. If you decide to tandem feed, it is important to remember to feed your newborn first and prioritize the newborn’s feeds. Even if you have been nursing through your pregnancy, your breasts will produce colostrum following delivery. It is important the newborn baby receive as much colostrum as possible. Also, the older sibling will be able to eat and drink additional foods. 02. 02. 02. 02. Tell your health care provider. You will want to let your health care provider know you are tandem feeding. Be sure to monitor your baby’s wet and dirty diapers and growth so you will know if baby is getting enough breast milk . 03. 03. 03. 03. Take care of yourself. Make sure you are getting enough to eat and drink . Drink whenever you feel thirsty and add 2 - 3 servings of food from the Canada Food Guide to help restore your energy. Do your best to rest and sleep when you can. If you can, ask friends and family to help out by assisting with household tasks so you have more time to breastfeed. Is Your Baby Getting Enough Milk? Three reliable ways to determine if your baby is getting enough milk: Does your baby have enough energy to actively feed at the breast by sucking, drinking and swallowing? Are the number of wet and dirty diapers appropriate for their age? After day four, is your baby gaining weight regularly? This feeding chart can help you track the appropriate number of feeds and dirty diapers by age in the first few weeks. Chart used with permission from Health Nexus Download Feeding Chart What to Watch For To make sure your baby is getting enough milk, keep track of the wet and dirty diapers in a 24-hr period. A wet diaper is heavier than a dry diaper. Add 2 tablespoons of water to a dry diaper to see what it feels like. Your baby's urine should be clear or pale yellow and it should not smell. In the first few days of life, you may notice a pink colour due to crystals in the urine. If this lasts past the first few days, inform your health care provider. A breastfed baby should have 3 or more large, soft, usually seedy poops per day after they are 2 days old. By 3 - 4 weeks of age, some babies will have only 1 - 2 poops per day. After the first 4 - 6 weeks, some babies will start to have one large poop. This is normal as long as your baby is feeding well, seems content and their poops are soft. Get HELP if: Your baby is on their 5th day of life and is having fewer than 6 very wet diapers or 3 soiled (poopy) diapers in 24 hours. Your baby is having black poops after they are 4 days old. Your baby is very sleepy and always has to be woken up to eat. Your nipples or breasts hurt. You have a fever or feel sick. You are thinking about weaning. You are exclusively pumping. You are supplementing breastfeeding with formula. You are worried about yourself or your baby for any reason. What To Expect When Breastfeeding a Baby - Over 6 Wks Learn More What To Expect When Breastfeeding - For Mothers Learn More