How you choose to feed your baby is up to you. We respect the decision you make around how you want to feed your baby. Breastfeeding may be the natural way to feed your baby, but it does not necessarily come naturally. It sometimes takes dedication, determination and lots of support.
Women in midwifery care have better breastfeeding rates than the provincial average (91.8% vs. 63.29% respectively). The attentive postpartum care you receive from your midwife in the early days, when breastfeeding is being established, makes it easier for your midwife to spot any breastfeeding issues before it becomes a bigger problem. It also gives us a chance to let you know how you and your baby are doing.
Your midwife understands that successful breastfeeding begins at birth. Your baby usually is delivered onto your abdomen, so baby has skin to skin contact right away. Skin to skin contact has been shown to improve newborn transition from the womb to the outside world, and helps regulate your baby’s temperature, breathing, and blood sugar levels. It is also the first step to successful breastfeeding. If you are unable to do skin to skin immediately following the birth, your partner is invited to do so. Within the hour, your baby will show signs that he or she is ready to feed. Your midwife will help you latch your baby to the breast.