Posts Tagged ‘breastfeeding information’
Congratulations to the Newmarket La Leche League for completing a lovely calendar.
Their mission is to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support,
encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.
This calendar will help new moms in our area with the support. To purchase for only $15 please email Denise.
Our friends at the La Leche League let us know that they have produced a calendar that will be avaiable soon. They are $15 and avaiable in October. A nice way to support the local La Leche League group who offers advice & support for breastfeeding mothers and families. To order email Denise or check out their Facebook page.
By Nicole Meltzer, RMT, CHt
Besides questions concerning childbirth, the next most frequent question I am asked by first-time expectant moms is “how do families afford the cut in income while on maternity (or paternity) leave?” From my own experience as a self-employed mom of two boys and from the ideas I received from mypostpartum moms over the years, I have compiled what I consider to be the top 5 ways to save money in the first year of your child’s life.
1. Breastfeed – Besides the well-documented health benefits for both mom and baby, you can’t find a better way to save money. The truth is formula is expensive and breastfeeding is free! Breastfeeding doesn’t come naturally for some women, so if you experience difficulties, seek out some of the fantastic support available from lactation consultants, postpartum doulas and La Leche League. Although there are some women who are unable to breastfeed due to medical reasons, most women, with the right support, are successful with perseverance.
2. Cloth Diapers – Disposable diapers are not only costly for your pocketbook but also for the environment. Cloth diapers are much more economical and are easy to use. If you can’t stomach the idea of washing them, there are cloth diaper cleaning services. However, if you really want to save money, wash them yourself. Once you’ve done it a few times you become desensitized! Anyway, once your baby is past the 3 week mark chances are you’ve already been peed on, pooped on and/or vomited on! My husband and I did a rough calculation on the money we’ve saved by using cloth diapers and it’s over $1000. The best part about using cloth diapers with your first child is, with subsequent babies, you don’t have to repurchase diapers!
3. Make your own Baby Food –The best way to ensure you know what your child is ingesting is to make the food yourself. It’s very simple and is quick if you have the right tools. Take a class to learn how – the investment of time and money will pay off!
4. Join local mom/dad’s groups – There are many groups who meet regularly at each other’s homes. If your days are filled with play dates at parks and others’ homes, you are less likely to feel the need to fill them with costly programs! The benefit too, is the potential for long-lasting friendships – for parents and children.
5. Learn to budget – Budget doesn’t have to be a bad word! Set up a simple spreadsheet with a column for inflow of money and a column for outflow of money. Each time you receive a bill or bank statement, enter it into the spreadsheet. You’ll quickly see where you’re money is going and where you can cut some corners. And as a bonus, you are setting a good example for your children on how to manage money!
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Nicole Meltzer, RMT, CHt is co-founder of Balanced Body Mind Spirit. Through her specialization in fertility issues & prenatal care she helps parents conceive and achieve balance while on their journey into parenthood. Nicole offers pre/postnatal & pediatric Massage Therapy; Hypnotherapy for children, fertility and childbirth; Reflexology; & Reiki. She teaches a variety of classes including, Hypnosis for Childbirth, Tools for the Birthing Partner, Focused on Fertility, and Infant Massage. To learn more, visit www.balancedbodymindspirit.com
Here is an email from a local mom who needs your help!
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Hello,
I would like to share with you a breastfeeding discrimination episode that happened to me last Friday, October 24th around 3:10pm at the The Aquacentre in Newmarket. (Address: 1215 Stellar Dr., Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 7B8. It is very close hwy 404/Davis Drive. Phone: 905 895 2782, Fax: 905 853 4229, email: info@aquacentrenewmarket.com).
I was breastfeeding my daughter on the steps of the swimming pool when Ms. Ellie Kar, the owner of the facility, came to speak with me. Ms. Kar said they had one complain and that I could not breastfeed my daughter in the swimming pool. She said if I wanted to breastfeed I would have use the changeroom. I tried to say that based on the law I had the right to breastfeed in public places but Ms. Kar said that she was the owner and I could only breastfeed in the changeroom. After that I stopped breastfeeding. Ms. Ellie Kar left. I stayed in the swimming pool.
It was the first time I have suffered discrimination in my life! I wanted to cry so bad. I tried to pretend this has never happened. My daughter kept asking to nurse and I denied her while we were in the pool. My heart was broken. I did not know what to do. I was completely sad, lost and numb.
Only after a few hours, I believe I started to think clearly again. I knew I had to do something for myself, my daughter, breastfeeding mothers and babies. Our society protects us against pregnancy and breastfeeding discrimination so I just needed to have courage.
I informed the homeschool families registered for this swim time at The Aquacentre about the terrible episode. The leader of this activity, Carol-Anne Brockington, sent an email to The Aquacentre asking for an apology. Their feedback was “At no point did we discriminate against the act of breastfeeding.” Their explanation was that no food or drink is allowed in the swimming pool area. They did not offer any apology.
The Policy on Discrimination on Pregnancy and Breastfeeding by the Ontario Human Rights Commission says on page 12, “The Code prohibits discrimination in “services, goods and facilities” against women who are breastfeeding. This means that women have a right to nurse undisturbed, and cannot be prevented from breastfeeding a child in, for example, a public area or restaurant. They also cannot be asked to move to a more “discreet” area to breastfeed a child, or to “cover-up”. Complaints from other persons will not justify interfering with a woman’s right to breastfeed.”
After several emails of support from mothers ready to fight for the right to breastfeed, we have decided to organize a peaceful nurse-in protest for Friday, November 7th in The Aquacentre at 2:30pm.
Please inform as many people as you can about this discrimination episode and the nurse-in protest. Feel free to use this email. Also, everybody is welcome to the peaceful nurse-in protest, you do not have to breastfeed to participate! All support is welcome! If you are unable to attend the nurse-in personally please feel free to email, phone or fax the facility to voice your concerns over this incident and show your support of breastfeeding rights – anywhere, anytime!
Unfortunately, the Aquacentre in Newmarket is a private facility that charges to use the pool. For this reason, to be able to participate in the peaceful nurse-in protest it is required that you pay the fee of $5.25 per swimmer. I wish it was not necessary to pay but the law requests it.
If you are interested then please email Carol-Anne Brockington off list ASAP at thebirthden@yahoo.ca. If you do not get a reply within 24 hours then please send another. Please do not contact the facility.
Also, Carol-Anne will need the following information:
Name and ages of all the children participating.
First and last name of adult attending.
A phone number where you can be reached for any last minute changes or notifications.
Just a reminder that this facility has resident cats, for those of you with allergies.
Let’s fight for our right to breastfeed anytime and anywhere! Join us on November 7th at 2:30pm!
Thank you!
Cinira
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Breastfeeding Resources in York Region
When you are the mother of a newborn baby, ensuring that your baby is being properly fed is a top priority. A lot of people tell you that breastfeeding is one of the most natural things a woman can do. And, it can be. However, it can also be very challenging in the beginning. If you have a sleepy newborn, one that is not interested in feeding, you are exhausted, had a tough delivery or are just overwhelmed by everything, latching you baby can be difficult when you are a new mom.
It is normal to feel awkward and clumsy; so don’t be discouraged! The good news is that there are resources available in our area to help. It is important for you to know if breastfeeding is going well and where to go for help if you have concerns.
If you need assistance the following resources are available in our area:
Health Connections (run by York Regional Public Health)
1-800-361-5653 (MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:30am-4:30pm)
Breastfeeding Markham-Stouffville Hospital - Breastfeeding Clinic
(905) 472-7374
Breastfeeding Clinic at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket
905-895-4521 ext2665
York Central - Inpatient Breastfeeding Clinic
Note: Prenatal Breastfeeding classes are also available at: York Central and Markham Stouffville Hospitals.
What to expect when you go to a Breastfeeding Clinic:
You will need to pre-book your appointment before going. The breastfeeding clinics are staffed by Lactation Consultants who will review any issues you are having. In a private setting, they will ask you to latch your baby. They will then work with you to establish and maintain a proper latch with your infant as well as review the various breastfeeding positions you can use.
There are also some great breastfeeding resources available on the web that explain typical breastfeeding issues, review latching techniques, positions and offer general support including:
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La Leche League Canada Meetings - Newmarket Group
All women interested in breastfeeding are welcome to attend monthly Group meetings. Anytime is a good time to come to a La Leche League meeting: when pregnant, with a new baby or when considering weaning.
Monthly Meeting Information: Newmarket Group
Meeting Day: 2nd Thursday of the month Meeting Location: Ontario Early Years Centre, Aurora Start time: 7:30 pm Approximate Duration: 1.5 hours
While a series of four meetings with the following topics is rotated throughout the year, the specific content varies significantly depending on the current focus and the needs of those present.
Meeting 1: The Advantages of Breastfeeding to Mother and Baby
Meeting 2: Baby Arrives: The Family and the Breastfed Baby
Meeting 3: The Art of Breastfeeding and Avoiding Difficulties
Meeting 4: Nutrition and Weaning
According to York Health Connections, breastfeeding is going well if:
You are not experiencing nipple pain during or after feeding.
Your baby’s mouth covers lots of the dark area around the nipple.
Your nipple is not pinched, white, or ridged when it comes out of your baby’s mouth.
Your baby feeds whenever he shows feeding cues (8 – 12 times in 24 hours).
Baby clusters some feeds together, but appears satisfied after feeds.
Feeds more during growth spurts.
Baby is alert and active.
Once your milk increases on the third day, you can hear the baby swallowing every time he/she sucks the breast. It sounds like “caa”
Your baby starts with short, quick sucks to stimulate the milk letdown reflex and then changes to slow, deep sucks when your milk lets down.
Your baby gains 4 – 7 ounces per week and is back to birth weight by 2 to 3 weeks of age.
Your baby experiences the following:
Day 1: 1 wet diaper, and 1 black stool
Day 2: 2 wet diapers, 1-2 brown stools
Day 3: 3 wet diapers, 2-3 lighter stools
Day 4: 4 heavy wet diapers, at least 2-3 yellow stools
Day 5: 5 heavy wet diapers, at least 2-3 yellow stools
Day 6: 6 heavy wet diapers, at least 2-3 yellow stools
which may be runny and seedy
Note: The assistance that you receive on this website is not meant as a substitute for professional guidance from your local health care professional. Please seek help from your local health care professional if you are experiencing problems with breastfeeding or if you have continuing concerns.
