- Your baby goes to breast soon after birth.
- Baby is latched on properly so he can get a good supply of milk and you can prevent sore nipples.
- Baby is fed based on their cues, sometimes called "feeding on demand".
Midwives, mother-and-babe nurses, and public health nurses and your family doctor are great sources of breastfeeding support and information.
Our public health nurses and the Canadian Paediatric Society recommend that breastfed babies take vitamin D supplements in drop form, available from your health store or pharmacy.
Nutrition Suggestions
- If breastfeeding is not an option for you, commercial, iron-fortified formula is the next best nutritional choice for your baby. Click here to get more information on formula feeding.
- Cow’s milk is NOT recommended before your child is one year old.
- Your baby can begin eating solid foods when she is ready (around six months).
Nourishing the Mind - Breastfeeding Challenge
What do breastfeeding and libraries have in common? They both nourish a child’s mind and are important factors in their development.
VIHA is partnering with the Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) and the Vancouver Island Regional Libraries (VIRL) to bring you the 10th annual Quintessence Breastfeeding Challenge. This is an international event with the goal of setting the record for the most babies breastfeeding at one time. VIHA’s Public Health Nurses, Nutritionists, and Library staff will be on hand to answer any questions.
For further information or to register for the Challenge, please contact your local Library Branch or Public Health Unit. Read more in the News Release and Poster ...
Saturday, October 1, 2011 from 10:30 to 12 noon at all locations:
- Victoria Main Branch Public Library, 735 Broughton St., Victoria
- Juan de Fuca Public Library, 1759 Island Highway, Colwood
- Victoria Native Friendship Centre, 231 Regina Ave., Victoria
- Sidney Public Library, 10091 Resthaven Dr., Sidney
- Cowichan Public Library, 2687 James St., Duncan
- Nanaimo Main Branch Public Library, 90 Commercial St., Nanaimo
- Parksville Public Library, 100 Jensen Ave. E., Parksville
- Port Alberni Health Unit, 4227 – 6th Ave., Port Alberni
- Tofino Health Unit, Coastal Family Place, 265-1st Street, Tofino
- Ucluelet Family Ties Centre 500 Matterson Drive, Ucluelet
- Courtenay Public Library, 300-6th Street, Courtenay
- Campbell River Public Library, 1240 Shoppers Row, Campbell River
- Port Hardy Family Place, 7305 Market St., Port Hardy