Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Basics

"Chestfeeding", "breastfeeding" and "nursing" are used below to ensure that all parents feel represented and included. 

For more information about the use of inclusive language on our website, please visit our Parenting, Diversity and Inclusion page.

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illustrated mother nursing her baby

Learning to Breastfeed/Chestfeed

When it comes to breastfeeding/chestfeeding, each baby and parent has to learn what works best for them. This section provides breastfeeding/chestfeeding basics that may be helpful in the early weeks of your baby's life:

Why breastfeed/chestfeed?

Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding has many health benefits for both parent and baby. Human milk is the only food your baby needs during the first 6 months. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF recommend: 

  • early initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth; 

  • exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life; and 

  • introduction of solid foods at 6 months together with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond. 

Breast/human milk is good for your baby because it: 

  • Is always fresh and ready 

  • Helps lower the risk of overweight and obesity 

  • May increase protection against illnesses such as childhood diabetes 

  • Increases protection against ear, chest and stomach infections 

  • May increase protection against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) 

  • Helps to prevent constipation 

Breastfeeding/chestfeeding is good for the parent because it: 

  • Helps the uterus to return to its' normal size after birth; 

  • Helps to control bleeding after birth; 

  • Helps to protect against breast and ovarian cancer; 

  • Promotes closeness and touching with baby. 

Feeding your baby human milk is good for families, communities and the environment as it: 

  • Saves money as formula can cost a lot 

  • Saves time as there is no need to prepare formula and bottles 

  • Does not produce any garbage. There are no formula and bottle packages to throw out.
How do I know if my baby is hungry?

Babies need to feed a lot in the early days. The more you feed your baby, the more milk your body makes. Your baby has many ways to tell you they are hungry.  These signs are called feeding cues.  

Your baby is hungry when you see these feeding cues:  

  • Rapid eye movements  

  • Stretching, moving arms and legs 

  • Bringing hands to mouth 

  • Sticking out tongue and licking lips 

  • Sucking motions or sounds 

  • Rooting (opening the mouth, searching to suck, and sucking on contact) 

  • Turning head back and forth 

  • Soft cooing or sighing sounds 

Your baby is full when: 

  • Your baby closes their mouth  

  • Your baby turns away from your breast 

  • Your baby looks relaxed and calm 

Following your baby's feeding cues will:  

  • Help breastfeeding/chestfeeding go well  

  • Help you get to know your baby 

  • Allow your baby to build trust, and allow the feeding parent to gain confidence 

  • Build a positive feeding relationship which supports child growth 

Remember... 

  • Your baby should feed at least 8 times or more in a 24 hour day, until about 6 weeks of life. 

  • It is normal for some babies to have many feedings in a short period. They may sleep longer between feeds at other times. This is called cluster feeding. This is more common in the later afternoon or evening.  

  • Skin-to-skin contact lets mom learn baby's feeding cues.  

  • Crying is a late sign of hunger. A baby crying from hunger may be too upset to settle down to feed.  Get to know your baby's early feeding cues.  

  • Your baby will have growth spurts. These happen at around 2 to 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. Growth spurts typically last 2 to 3 days. Your baby may feed more often at these times and your milk will increase to meet your baby's needs. 
How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?

Feeding your baby often will help increase your milk supply. The amount of milk a parent makes is based on supply and demand. The more your baby nurses, the more milk you will make. The amount of milk made depends on the amount of milk removed from the breast/chest by feeding or expressing. Babies digest breast milk fast so they need to feed often.

In the first few months, a baby who is feeding well:

  • Is feeding at least 8 times in 24 hours. Feeding more often is normal and good. Listen for swallowing or quiet "caw" sounds.
  • At 1 day old: baby has at least 1 wet diaper and at least 1 to 2 sticky, dark green-black, soft stools.
  • At 2 days old: baby has at least 2 wet diapers and at least 1 to 2 sticky, dark green/black, soft stools.
  • At 3 days old: baby has at least 3 heavy wet diapers and at least 3 brown/green/yellow, soft stools. Occasional "red, brick-coloured" staining (uric acid crystals) is normal until day 3. 
  • At 4 days old: baby has at least 4 heavy wet diapers and at least 3 brown/green/yellow, soft stools.
  • At 5 days and older: baby has at least 6 heavy wet diapers and at least 3 large, soft, yellow, stools which may have small seeds in them. Baby's output increases as the parent's milk supply increases.
  • Is back to his or her birth weight by about 2 weeks of age.

Get help if any of the above signs are not present or:

  • Your baby is very sleepy and hard to wake for feedings.
  • Your baby is crying and will not settle after feedings.
  • Your nipples are sore and do not start to get better.
  • You have fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, or a red painful area on your breast/chest.
How long is a feeding?
  • The length of time your baby feeds at the breast/chest depends on your baby.
  • If your baby has a good latch and is actively sucking and swallowing they can feed for as long as they want.
  • Your breasts/chest are never empty of milk. You will make more milk as your baby nurses.
  • Feed your baby on the first side until your baby seems satisfied. When satisfied your baby may slow down or stop their sucking and swallowing or come off the breast/chest.
  • Offer both breasts/sides at each feeding. Your baby may not be as interested in the second side.
  • At the next feeding, start nursing on the side that your baby finished on during the last feed.
How often will my baby feed?
Feed your baby whenever they seem hungry. In the early weeks this is at least 8 times in 24hrs. Night feeds are important too. In the early days you may need to wake your baby up to feed.
  • At 6 to 12 weeks, babies will feed at least 6 times or more per 24hrs
  • At 3 to 6 months, babies will feed at least 5 times or more per 24hrs

Feeding cues are signs your baby uses to tell you they are hungry. They include:

  • Bringing hands to mouth
  • Sticking out tongue and licking lips
  • Sucking motions or sounds
  • Rooting (opening mouth and searching for the nipple)

Try to feed your baby before they are crying.  Crying is a late sign of hunger

Many babies have periods, especially in the evening, when they cluster feed. Cluster feeding is when babies have many short feedings over a few hours. It is normal and can occur at any time. Many mothers feel that babies are fussier and not satisfied but it does not mean that you don't have enough milk.

During a growth spurt, babies grow quickly.  They will feed more often to increase their mother's milk supply. These growth spurts commonly occur at 3 and 6 weeks, and at 3 and 6 months.  These periods of increased feedings will last from 24 to 72 hours.
How much weight will my baby gain? 
Babies usually lose some weight during the first few days.
  • Early and frequent feedings will reduce the amount of weight your baby loses.
  • Most babies are back to their birth weight by 2 weeks of age.
  • In the first 4 months, babies gain about 170 to 240 grams (6 to 8.5 oz) per week. They usually double their birth weight by 3 to 6 months. 
  • From 4 to 6 months, babies gain about 95 to 140 grams (3.4 to 5 oz) per week.
  • From 6 to 12 months, babies gain about 55 to 90 grams (2 to 3.2 oz) per week.
  • Between 9 and 18 months, babies usually triple their birth weight.
What is Skin-to-Skin?

"Skin-to-skin" is when your naked baby (with or without a diaper) is placed tummy-down on your bare chest. Your baby will smell, hear and feel you. This will help you get to know your baby, and your baby get to know you.

Skin-to-skin right after birth:

  • Hold your baby skin-to-skin right after birth, for at least 1 hour.
  • Skin-to-skin right after birth steadies your baby's temperature, breathing, heart rate and blood sugar. It will also help you heal from childbirth.
  • Skin-to-skin contact right after birth will help get nursing off to a good start.
  • All parents and babies can have skin-to-skin contact, even if you need stitches or have a caesarean birth. If you cannot hold your baby right after birth, your partner, or another person you are close to, can also do skin-to-skin. This will help them get to know and comfort your baby.
  • Premature babies also benefit from skin-to-skin. Many hospitals encourage this, and it is often called Kangaroo Care.
  • Let your health care provider know that you want to hold your baby skin-to-skin in the early time after birth.

Older babies enjoy skin-to-skin too:

  • Hold your baby skin-to-skin even when you get home from the hospital. 
  • There are many benefits to holding your baby skin-to-skin in the months after birth:
    • Helps you learn your baby's feeding cues
    • Helps with nursing and parent's milk supply
    • Calms your baby and reduces crying
    • Lowers stress in parent and their baby
    • Helps with bonding between family and your baby
    • Helps your baby grow and develop well
Does my baby need Vitamin D?

All babies need vitamin D to meet their nutritional needs.

Health Canada and the Canadian Pediatric Society recommend Vitamin D supplements for breastfeeding babies. The recommendation is that all exclusively breastfed, healthy term infants get a daily vitamin D supplement of 400 IU. Supplementation should begin at birth. Supplementation should continue until your breastfed baby reaches 2 years of age.

Vitamin D is already added to infant formula, most full-term babies who are formula-fed don’t need a supplement. However, formula-fed babies in northern communities or those with other risk factors should receive a supplement of 400 IU/day, year-round to ensure they have enough vitamin D.

Speak with a health care provider about your baby's vitamin D supplementation needs.
Latching

Getting Started

Check for the following each time you are getting ready to breastfeed/chestfeed:

  • You are comfortable and relaxed with good posture and correct body alignment.
  • Your back and arms are well supported. Use a pillow at your back if needed. 
  • You baby's head and body are supported.
  • Your baby's head is at the level of your breast/chest.
  • Your baby's ear, shoulder and hip are in a straight line.
  • You and your baby are chest-to-chest.
  • Your baby's nose is facing your nipple and chin is touching your breast.

Supporting Your Breast/Chest

First, place your fingers flat on your ribs under your breast tissue where your breast and ribs meet. Then move your middle and index fingers forward a bit to support the underside of your breast. Make sure fingers are well back from your areola. Your thumb rests on top of your breast well back from your areola.

Baby-Led Latching

"Baby-led latching" a natural and simple way for your baby to find your breast..." (Best Start, 2011). Once latched, parent and baby can move to a more comfortable position.

  • Hold your baby skin-to-skin with your baby placed tummy-down on your bare chest.
  • Your baby will start to move their head up and down in search of your breast/chest.
  • Support your baby's neck and shoulders with one hand and their bottom with the other while they move towards your breast/chest.
  • Your baby will find and latch on to your nipple.

Latching Baby

  • When yvisual sequence of bringing baby's mouth to breastour baby is well positioned, gently touch your baby's lips with your nipple. 
  • Aim your baby's bottom lip as far from the nipple as possible. When they open their mouth widely, they'll scoop in lots of breast tissue. 
  • Push the heel of your hand gently on their shoulders so that their head is slightly tilted back as you bring them to the breast. 
  • Once your baby opens their mouth as wide as a yawn, quickly bring them onto the breast.

How can I tell if my baby has a good latch?

  • Your baby takes more areola on the underside of your breast than on top. The nipple is NOT centered. 
  • Some of the areola shows above the top lip
  • Your baby's lips roll outward
  • Your baby's nose and chin touch the breast
  • The whole jaw will move
  • Your baby is calm while feeding, sucks rhythmically and you can see and hear swallowing
  • The only sound you should hear is your baby swallowing (a quiet "caw" sound)

When your baby is not well latched:

  • Persistent pain with latching can be a sign of an incorrect latch.
  • Remove your baby from the breast and re-latch.
  • To interrupt the latch break suction by trying one of these ideas:
    • Slip your finger into corner of your baby's mouth and between the gums
    • Press down on the area of your breast/chest closest to your baby's mouth
    • Bring your baby in closer to the breast so that the nose is covered with breast tissue
    • Pull down on your baby's chin

Do you need help with latching? Find out where you can get infant feeding support in Ottawa.
Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Positions

alternate cradle arm hold, parent is nursing from the breast and holding baby with the opposite arm

Alternate Arm Cradle "Cross-cradle" Hold

This position may work well if:

  • You are learning to breastfeed.
  • Your baby is premature or small.

Position before the feeding starts:

  • Hold your baby with the arm on the opposite side to the breast you will be using to feed. Your baby's body and legs are wrapped around you.
  • Wrap your baby's lower arm around your breast before starting to feed. Then bring her closer to the breast. 
  • Hold your baby so that her nostrils (rather than mouth) are in line with the nipple before the feeding starts. Support your baby's back with your arm tucked around her. 
  • The heel of your hand supports her neck and shoulders. 
  • Keep your thumb behind her ear and let your fingers support her jaw bone.

parent nursing baby on breast while supporting baby in her arms

Conventional Cradle Hold

This position may work well:

  • Once you and your baby are comfortable with breastfeeding.

Position before the feeding starts:

  • Support your breast using the hand on the opposite side to the breast your baby is using to feed. For example if your baby is feeding at the right breast, use your left hand. Keep your thumb and fingers well back from the areola. 
  • Use the arm that is on the same side your baby is feeding on to support your baby's head and body. It will also help to keep your baby close to you.
parent nursing baby on breast while baby's legs are supported towards mother's back

Football Hold

This position may work well if:

  • You are learning to breastfeed.
  • You have a small baby.
  • You have large breasts.
  • You had a Caesarean birth.
  • You are breastfeeding both twins at the same time.

Position before the feeding starts:

  • Lay your baby at your side. You can use a pillow to raise your baby to breast level. Place your baby's bottom against the back of the chair. 
  • Bend your baby's legs up behind your arm so that her feet don't push.
  • Place your nipple on the bridge of your baby's nose. This will help to make sure your baby's mouth is well under your breast before you start. 
  • Support her back with your arm. 
  • Your hand supports her neck and shoulders. 
  • Keep your thumb behind her ear and let your fingers support her jaw bone. 

Helpful Hints 

If it's easier holding your baby with your right arm than your left, use your right arm to hold your baby at both breasts:

  • When your baby is at your left breast, use the alternate arm cradle hold. 
  • When your baby is at your right breast use the football hold. 

If you prefer your left arm, use your left arm to hold baby at both breasts: 

  • When your baby is at your right breast, use the alternate arm cradle hold. 
  • When your baby is at your left breast, use the football hold. 
parent nursing baby on breast while parent is side-lying, belly to belly with baby

Side-Lying Nursing

This position may work well if:

  • You find it too painful to sit.
  • You want to rest when you breastfeed.
  • You had a Caesarean birth

Position before the feeding starts:

  • Lie on your side with pillows to support your head and your back.
  • Place your baby completely on their side with their mouth at the level of your nipple. Their nose, chin, tummy and knees touching you.
  • Use your upper hand to support your breast.
  • Your can tuck your lower arm under your head, or curl it around your baby's back.
  • A small rolled towel or blanket placed behind your baby's back will keep them on their side.
parent laid back on pillow and nursing baby on breast while supporting baby in her arms

Laid-Back Nursing 

This position may work well if:

  • You are sore from childbirth.
  • You have shoulder or neck pain.
  • You want to rest when you breastfeed.
  • You had a Caesarean birth.

Position before the feeding starts:

  • Sit or lay back so your body, head and shoulders are well supported with pillows.
  • Do not lay flat.
  • Put baby’s belly to your belly.
  • Allow baby to get comfortable and make sure their cheek is near your breast.
  • Baby will then begin to smell and feel their way to your nipple. Once baby finds it, they will move their head back and forth, open their mouth wide, latch on and begin to nurse.
  • You can also hold and support baby's body and help lead baby to your breast.
Nursing positions for parents of multiples

Alternate Arm Cradle Hold

Cross Cradle Hold

Clutch Hold

 Breastfeeding in Bed

 

 


  • It may not be necessary to feed your babies at both breasts during a feed. You may want to switch the breast each baby feeds from at every feed. This depends on the strength of each baby's suck. 

  • It is easier to feed two babies together when they are young and feeding frequently.

  • If you are nursing multiples and have questions, speak with a public health nurse or lactation consultant as soon as possible. For more information, visit our Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Resources in Ottawa page.

Credit: Mothering Multiples: Breastfeeding & Caring for Twins & More, by Karen Kerkhoff Gromada, La Leche League International, 1999 

Breast/Chest Care

In this section, you will find information about caring for your breasts/chest through your nursing journey.

Changes to breasts/chest after delivery

After birth, your breasts will go through several changes: 

  • At first, your breasts will stay soft and will make colostrum. Colostrum is a clear yellow milk which is rich in protein. It helps protect your baby from infection.  

  • A creamy white milk will "come in" on the second to fourth day after delivery. For a few days, your breasts will feel full and heavier. 

  • Over the next few weeks, the milk turns to a bluish white colour. Your breasts will return to being soft and less heavy. This is normal and does not mean you are making less milk
Sore nipples

Avoid sore nipples by ensuring your baby has a good latch. Check out the latching section for information about achieving a comfortable latch.

To relieve sore nipples: 

  • Try different breastfeeding/nursing positions.  

  • Begin breastfeeding/nursing on the breast that is less sore first.  

  • Try breastfeeding/nursing more often. Feed your baby as soon as they are giving you signs that they are hungry.  

  • If your baby does not let go of your breast at the end of the feeding, remove your baby from the breast. You can remove your baby by placing your little finger between your baby's gums to break the suction.  

  • Do not let your baby sleep at the breast. 

  • Leave a small amount of milk on the nipple after feeding.  

  • Air-dry your nipples after breastfeeding/nursing.  

  • Talk to a health care provider or lactation consultant before using any nipple creams or ointments. 

  • Change breast pads if they become wet.  

  • Avoid using nipple shields without talking to a breastfeeding expert. Their use may affect milk production. 

Have someone who is knowledgeable about breastfeeding watch you nurse your baby. A public health nurse or a lactation consultant can give you more information. Find out where you can get free breastfeeding/nursing support.
Taking care of your breasts/chest

When bathing, wash your nipples and breasts with water only. Soap can dry the skin.

Dry your nipples gently after bathing or let them air dry. Extra rubbing will not toughen your nipples.  

  • Glands in the areola, the darkened part around the nipples, make natural oils to keep your nipples soft and clean. Talk to your health care provider or lactation consultant before using any creams or ointments. 

  • During the early days of breastfeeding/nursing, let colostrum or breast milk dry on your nipples. Expose your nipples to the air for several minutes after each feeding.  

  • Many nursing parents are more comfortable wearing a nursing bra even at night, as the breasts are larger and heavier. Choose one that fits well and has wide shoulder straps. Avoid plastic liners.  

  • Make sure your hands are clean when handling your breasts.  
Stop milk from leaking between feedings

  • Leaking is common when you are just starting to breastfeed/nurse.  

  • To stop the leaking put pressure on your nipple until the tingling feeling in your breast stops. Use your hands or forearms.  

  • You can use cotton or paper breast pads to absorb the milk. Change the breast pads whenever they are wet
Relieving hard breasts/chest

Engorgement is when your breasts feel heavy, full and hard. It occurs when your milk is first coming in around three days after your baby is born. It may last 1 to 2 days. Engorgement can also happen later if nursing sessions are missed.

To relieve hard breasts and discomfort from engorgement: 

  • Feed your baby at least 8 times in 24 hours, and at least every 3 hours during the day. Continue night feedings. 

  • Take a gentle, warm shower or put warm wet towels on your breasts to soften them and make you more comfortable. Do this before you breastfeed your baby, as needed.  

  • Gentle massage and hand expressing a small amount of milk may make it easier for your baby to latch on.  

  • Covered ice packs may provide comfort between feedings.  

  • You may have a breast infection or mastitis if you have a fever, flu-like symptoms and/or a reddened painful area on your breast. 

  • Rest as much as possible 

  • Breastfeed/nurse your baby frequently on the affected side 

  • Put warm wet towels on your breasts 

  • Speak with a health care provider within 6-8 hours, if symptoms do not go away. You may need an antibiotic. 

  • Continue to breastfeed/nurse your baby frequently while you are on antibiotics 

Plugged Ducts and Mastitis

Changes to your child's breastfeeding pattern may cause your breasts to get more full than normal. This can lead to plugged ducts or mastitis.

Plugged ducts - A lump in the breast which may be tender, red and warm. Parent feels generally well otherwise. 

Mastitis - Breast is red, hot swollen and painful. Parent has flu-like symptoms and fever. 

Treatment: 

  • Place a warm wet towel to the sore breast and gently massage 

  • Breastfeed your baby often (every 2 to 2½ hrs) when at home and express/pump when away from your baby for a length of time (i.e. travel, work, hospitalization). Start with the sore side until the soreness fades. 

  • Rest as much as possible. 

  • If you think you have mastitis, call a health care provider if symptoms don't go away within 6-8 hours. 

What is Thrush?

Thrush is caused by yeast that grows in your baby's mouth and on your nipples. Symptoms can appear in you and your baby or only one or the other. You may have breast pain during and between feedings. You also may have itchy red nipples. It can appear as a white coating on your baby's tongue and white patches in their mouth. Your baby may also have a diaper rash.

If you believe you and/or your baby are experiencing thrush: 

  • Speak with a health care provider.  

  • Both you and baby should always be treated at the same time. Follow-up if you or your baby's symptoms do not go away.  

illustration of bottles of pumped human milk

Expressing Milk and Bottle Feeding

Learning how to express human milk is important for all breastfeeding or chestfeeding parents. In this section, you will find information about hand expression, safe storage and handling of expressed milk as well as bottle feeding.

Hand Expression
Why express breast milk? 

  • Your breasts are too hard (engorged) for your baby to latch on  

  • You want your baby to have breast milk when you are away from your baby 

  • You need to increase your breast milk supply 

How do I express breast milk by hand? 

For a healthy baby, use a clean glass or plastic container in which to express your breast milk. Put the breast milk in the refrigerator if you will not use it within 6 to 8 hours. For a premature or sick baby use a sterile container and refrigerate milk within 1 hour of expressing. 

Hand Expressing Breast Milk 
Visual Step Instructions
hands rinsing under a tap

1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
measuring cup and bowl

2. Label container with date before expressing milk. "Clean" means to wash in hot soapy water, rinse well with hot water and leave to air dry.
woman applying warm wet towel to breasts 3. To help breast milk flow, apply a warm wet towel to your breasts for a couple of minutes or take a shower. Massage your breasts for a few minutes then...
thumb and finger places around the nipple of a breast

4. Place your thumb and first 2 fingers about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 - 3.75 cm) away from nipple.
hands pushing breast towards the chest

5. Push your thumb and 2 fingers straight back toward your chest.
thumb and two fingers rolling together on breast 6. Roll your thumb and 2 fingers together.

  • Continue to repeat steps 4, 5 and 6 until the flow of milk slows down, then switch to the other breast. It will probably take 10-15 minutes to remove most of the milk from each side. 

  • Continue to switch sides whenever the flow of milk slows down. Be sure to move your thumb and 2 fingers along all areas around the nipple. 

  • Many mothers find it easier to express in the morning when their breasts feel fullest or after breastfeeding the baby. 

  • You may only get a few drops when first learning to express. Expressing milk will get better and easier with practice.
Storage and Handling of Expressed Milk
Human Milk Storage Guidelines for Full-Term Infants
  Room Temperature 16-26°C (60-85°F) Refrigerator <4°C (40°F)

Freezer -18°C (0°F)
Freshly expressed or pumped milk

4 hours recommended

6 to 8 hours acceptable under very clean conditions and at lower room temperatures

4 days recommended

5 to 8 days acceptable under very clean conditions

6 months recommended

12 months acceptable
Remember: Always wash your hands before expressing or handling breast milk. 

Storing Human Milk

  • It's best to store breast milk in glass or BPA-free hard plastic bottles. Expressed milk loses fewer antibodies when you put it in glass bottles to freeze it. 

  • For healthy term infants, wash containers in hot soapy water, rinse in warm water and leave to air dry. Then store them in a clean, covered container. 

  • If soap is not available, place items in a pot, cover in water and bring to a boil for 5 minutes. 

  • Disposable plastic bottle liners are not made for long-term storage of human milk.

  • Individually sterilized human milk freezer bags are made to store breast milk for freezing. 

  • Human milk tends to lose some of its immune properties when stored in plastic bags. This should not be a problem for a healthy baby who is only getting human milk that has been frozen occasionally.

  • You can store milk in small amounts (15ml (1/2oz), 30ml (1oz), 60ml (2oz) or up to 120ml (4oz)) depending on the age of your baby.

Fresh breast milk

  • Can be kept at room temperature for 4 hours. See table above for recommendations for storing expressed milk.

  • Any milk expressed in the same 24-hour period can be added to the same container in the refrigerator. Cool the newly expressed milk in a separate container in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes before adding it to the larger container of expressed milk from that day.

  • You can keep it in the fridge for  4 days for healthy full-term babies. Place breast milk at the back of the fridge where it is coldest. 

For a premature or hospitalized baby: 

  • Follow the instructions provided by your hospital and/or health care provider. 

  • Use a sterile container. 

  • Refrigerate milk immediately after pumping. 

  • You can keep milk in the fridge for up to 48 hours. 

Freezing Human Milk

  • You can freeze breast milk in small amounts (15ml to 120 ml or 1/2 oz to 4 oz) depending on the age of your baby. Label the expressed milk with the date it was expressed. 

  • Store in back of freezer on top shelf in separate refrigerator freezer for 3 to 6 months (bottom shelf warms during defrost cycle). 

  • You can keep up to 6 to 12 months in a deep freezer. 

Thawing Human Milk 

  • Check the date on the container to make sure that it has not expired. Use the container with the earliest date first. 

  • Human milk is best thawed under warm running water. You can also warm the container of expressed milk in a bath of warm water. 

  • You can thaw frozen milk in the refrigerator. You must use it within 24 hours of taking it out of the freezer. Do not thaw human milk at room temperature. 

  • Frozen expressed milk separates into low and high fat layers. Gently swirl bottle to mix. 

  • Do not heat on the stove or in the microwave. There is a risk of mouth burns as well as loss of immune properties. A bottle heated in a microwave may feel cool but can contain pockets of very hot liquid.

Once frozen human milk has come to room temperature, you must you use it right away or throw it out. 

For more information, check out La Leche League Canada's Storing Human Milk (PDF)
Spoon, Cup and Paced Bottle Feeding

Spoon Feeding
You can give expressed breast milk to your baby using a spoon. This method works best if your baby leads it and controls the speed of the feeding. Spoon feeding your baby instead of using an artificial nipple can help to reduce the risk of nipple confusion. 

  • Put a bib on your baby, because some breast milk may spill. 

  • Sit your baby up on your lap using one hand to support your baby's upper back and neck. 

  • Bring spoon to your baby's mouth and tip so that the breast milk just touches your baby's lips. It should NOT be poured into your baby's mouth. 

  • Your baby will lap the breast milk up by moving his tongue forward. 

  • Allow your baby time to swallow before refilling spoon and offering more breast milk. This will let your baby control the speed of the feeding. 
Cup Feeding

Babies of all ages are able to drink from a cup (even small premature babies). You can start giving expressed breast milk in a small plastic or glass cup such as a medicine cup. 

  • Put a bib on your baby, because some breast milk may spill. 

  • Sit your baby up on your lap using one hand to support your baby's upper back and neck. 

  • Place edge of the cup gently against your baby's bottom lip and tip so that the breast milk just touches your baby's lips.  It should NOT be poured into your baby's mouth. Your baby will lap the breast milk up by moving his tongue forward. 

  • Keep cup tipped during feeding so that the breast milk is always in contact with your baby's lips. This will let your baby control the speed of the feeding. 
Paced Bottle Feeding

The way a baby sucks on a bottle nipple or pacifier is very different from how a baby sucks at the breast. For this reason, it is best to not introduce any bottles until after breastfeeding is going well. This is usually about 4 to 6 weeks after your baby is born. Giving your baby a bottle before breastfeeding is going well can affect breastfeeding/nursing including building up your milk supply.

Paced bottle feeding is when you control or pace the flow of milk to be like breastfeeding/nursing. It also helps your baby keep breastfeeding/nursing behaviours while they feed from the bottle.  

Here is how to pace feeds: 

  • Hold your baby in an upright position, supporting their head and neck with your hand. 

  • Feed your baby skin-to-skin if possible. 

  • Use a wide-based, slow-flow nipple. 

  • Touch your baby's upper lip with the bottle nipple until your baby opens their mouth wide. 

  • Tip bottle horizontally. Let your baby pull the nipple into their mouth so their lips close on the wide base of the bottle nipple. 

  • Keep nipple partially full as it will help your baby control flow better. Your baby will naturally swallow air during feeds. 

  • If your baby gets tense or gulps, stop feed. Stop the feed by tilting bottle down to stop flow but keeping bottle nipple in contact with your baby's lower lip. This way your baby can pull the nipple back into their mouth. 

  • Your baby will learn to take breaks and 3 to 5 second pauses on their own usually after the fourth or fifth suck and as needed. 

  • When you think your baby is nearly full, twist and remove bottle keeping the nipple lying on your baby's lip as described above. If your baby takes bottle again, let your baby feed for a short period (for example, 5-10 swallows) and repeat process. When your baby has had enough to drink, they will not open their mouth when you try to give them the bottle. This is 1 sign a baby uses to let you know they are full. 

  • Throw away any breast milk left in the bottle after the feeding.

If you are supplementing or feeding formula to your baby, visit our "Bottle feeding" page for more information about preparing baby formula.
 Supplemental Nursing System (SNS) and Nipple Shields
You should not start the use of these aids on your own. Talk to a Lactation Consultant or your health care provider about if you need to use them. To find a Lactation Consultant in your area, visit the Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Resources in Ottawa section page. 

illustrated parent holding their baby to nurse

Healthy Eating When Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding

Eating healthy is just as important when you are breastfeeding/chestfeeding as it was when you were pregnant. Your body needs extra energy and nutrients to produce milk for your baby and healthy eating will help you recover from labour and to support your through sleepless nights.   In this section, you will find information and common questions about healthy eating when breastfeeding/chestfeeding. 
Healthy eating

Health Canada recommends exclusive breastfeeding/chestfeeding for the first six months, and continued for up to two years and beyond. Breastfeeding is beneficial for both the nursing parent and baby. Healthy Eating can support your health and well as milk production. You need to eat a bit more food while breastfeeding, but you can get the extra energy and nutrients you need by eating slightly more of the healthy foods you would normally eat, or by adding an extra healthy snack to your day. 

For example: 

  • Add an extra healthy snack (e.g. fruit and yogurt, whole grain crackers with peanut butter) and/or 

  • Add more to your meal (e.g. glass of milk or fortified plant-based beverage at lunch, more whole grain foods or vegetables at dinner) 

See Canada's Food Guide page on healthy eating when pregnant and breastfeeding for examples of a variety of different healthy foods and recipes to choose from. This will help you build healthy habits for you and your growing family. The only foods you should avoid while nursing are fish high in mercury since it can pass through milk. 
Nursing and healthy weight loss

You should not try to lose weight while nursing by limiting your calories since this could hinder milk production. Instead focus on choosing healthy foods, eating regularly, listening to your body and being mindful of your eating habits.

Visit Canada’s Food Guide on Healthy Eating When Pregnant and Breastfeeding for more information.

Drink lots of water

Your body needs a lot of water to make milk. Stay hydrated by always having a water bottle or glass easily accessible and taking sips throughout the day. You can also consider eating water-rich foods like vegetables, fruits and low-sodium soup broths to help you stay hydrated. 

Sugary drinks are not necessary to stay hydrated and should not be part of your regular diet since they provide little to no nutritional value.

Visit Canada’s Food Guide for more tips on how you can make water your drink of choice. 

Be mindful of your caffeine intake

Limit the amount of caffeine you have to no more than 500 mL (2 cups) of coffee or other caffeine drinks per day. This also means no more than 300 mg of caffeine a day.  

Visit UnlockFood.ca for more information on Facts on Caffeine.

Continue taking a multi-vitamin
Your nutrient needs are higher when you are nursing than pre-pregnancy. It is recommended to continue taking a multivitamin with 0.4 mg of folic acid every day.  You can continue taking your pre-natal vitamin or ask your healthcare professional to recommend one.

Can certain foods increase your milk supply?

There is a lot of anecdotal evidence that eating certain foods can help you make more milk, but there is limited scientific evidence to support this. Milk production is determined by the amount of milk removed from the breast/chest.

If you are concerned that you are not making enough milk for your baby, help is available.

Visit the “Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Resources in Ottawa” page for a list of free nursing supports.
Can certain foods make baby my gassy?

There is limited evidence to support the claim that the foods you eat will make your baby gassy. There is no list of foods that you should avoid when nursing. 

Most babies are gassy from time to time, and this can be worse at night. This is due to baby’s immature digestive system and has nothing to do with what you ate. Swallowing air can sometimes make babies gassy.

Here are some things you can try to reduce the amount of air your baby swallows: 

  • Respond promptly to their feeding cues. Babies can swallow air when they cry. 

  • If you have a forceful let down: 

  • Nurse baby while laying back to slow the flow of milk. 

  • Remove baby from the breast for a few seconds once your milk starts flowing to catch the let down in a cloth or breast pad. 

If you are concerned about your baby’s gassiness when feeding, help is available. Speak with a health care provider or visit the “Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Resources in Ottawa” section of our website for a list of free nursing supports.
You can reduce your baby's risk of developing food allergies

You do not need to avoid common allergenic foods while breastfeeding, even if your child is at high risk (unless of course you have food allergies yourself). High-risk children are those that have a parent or sibling with a food allergy.  

In fact, research shows that early exposure to common food allergens to high-risk babies can reduce the risk of developing food allergies. So, even some exposure through breastmilk can help. Also, when you begin solids at around 6 months, you can give your baby foods like eggs, fish, and wheat as part of their diet. Waiting to give these foods will not prevent allergies, even in babies with a family history of food allergy.  

If you are not sure about your decision to avoid certain allergenic foods during breastfeeding, you should talk to a doctor or a registered dietitian. Restricting certain foods could lead to inadequate amounts of vitamins and minerals necessary for you and your baby's health.  

Visit UnlockFood.ca for more information on Food Allergies and Babies. 

parent holding baby in their arms

Alcohol, Cannabis, Tobacco and NRT while Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding

If you are breastfeeding/nursing, many things that you eat, drink, or take into your body end up in your milk. This section provides information on breastfeeding/nursing when using alcohol, cannabis, tobacco and NRT.

Alcohol

Is it safe for me to drink alcohol when breastfeeding/chestfeeding?

When breastfeeding/chestfeeding, it is safest not to consume alcohol. Occasional drinking is not a reason to stop breastfeeding/chestfeeding. If you are breastfeeding/chestfeeding and are thinking about drinking alcohol, follow these simple steps to reduce the risks to your baby:

  • If you are planning to have a drink that contains alcohol, pre-plan! 

Pre-planning can include: 

  • Breastfeeding before you have a drink, then waiting at least 2 hours per drink, before breastfeeding/chestfeeding again.

  • Measuring the amount of alcohol in your drink, so you know how much you are drinking. Learn more about how to measure out a standard drink. 

  • Invite your partner and friends to reduce their alcohol use to support you. 

How can alcohol affect my baby? 

Heavy, frequent drinking can carry increased health risks for you and your breastfeeding/chestfeeding baby. Alcohol is passed through human milk to the baby and can put you and your baby at risk by:  

  • Disrupting your baby’s sleep patterns. 

  • Decreasing the letdown reflex and the amount of human milk being produced.   

  • Affecting your baby’s weight gain, growth and increasing risk of developmental delays. 

Are there alcohol-free options? 

If you are breastfeeding/chestfeeding, non-alcoholic cocktails are a great option! They are called mocktails and have the flavour, without having alcohol!

Try alcohol free beers, wines and liquors or some of these recipes: 

If you consume alcohol and want more information or need help to reduce your consumption, you can: 

  • Talk to your health care provider. 

For additional information visit:
Tobacco

Quitting or reducing the amount of tobacco or nicotine products you use can be difficult, but there is plenty of help available for you. Remember that you are not alone.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or chestfeeding and would like to quit or reduce your daily smoking, you may need both counselling support and Nicotine Replacement Therapy to help you achieve your goal.

There are short and long-acting nicotine replacement therapies available. This includes patches, lozenges, inhaler, quick mist and nicotine gum. Speak to your health care provider, because they can help to identify which product and dose work best for you. They can also discuss how to use them properly.

If you are considering Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) during pregnancy, please contact your health care provider.

Smoking while pregnant 

Smoking during pregnancy can lead to: 

  • Miscarriage 

  • Going into labour too early 

  • Your water breaking too soon

  • Problems with the placenta, which can create more health risks to both the pregnant person and the fetus)

  • Your baby being born too small

 After birth, smoking increases your child's risk for:

Smoking while breastfeeding or chestfeeding

  • Smoking while breastfeeding or chestfeeding can expose you and your baby to harmful chemicals and can lead to lower quantity of breast milk.

  • If you continue to use tobacco products, you can continue to breastfeed or chestfeed. There are still more benefits from breastfeeding or chestfeeding. Ensure you are smoking outside, and away from children. 

For more information on the health effects of smoking while being pregnant, visit Health Canada’s website.

Learn more about where smoking or vaping is permitted in the Ottawa by visiting OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Smoke-Free.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

Benefits: 

  • You and your baby avoid the thousands of chemicals found in cigarette smoke. There are approximately 7,000 chemicals found in cigarette smoke.

  • Can help you with cravings and withdrawal symptoms

  • Can double your chances of reducing or quitting smoking

  • Expose you and your baby to less nicotine than cigarettes

  • To learn more, check out the “Tips to Lower Your Risk When Using Nicotine”.

Need Help? Visit: 
Cannabis

How does cannabis affect babies?

Cannabis is a plant that has hundreds of chemicals. Some of these chemicals are called cannabinoids, like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is psychoactive, meaning it affects your brain and the way you think, act and feel. No matter how, or how much cannabis is used, THC is absorbed and stored in body fat and human milk. This means THC can be passed to your baby through human milk.

There is no known safe amount of cannabis use while breastfeeding/chestfeeding. Babies who have been exposed to THC through human milk may have reduced muscular tone, increased drowsiness, poor sucking and slow weight gain.

Breastfeeding/chestfeeding is important for the health of baby and parent. It is safest to not use cannabis while breastfeeding/chestfeeding.

If you choose to use cannabis products:

  • Try using less, and less often.

  • Use a cannabis product with a lower amount of THC, and an equal or higher amount of CBD.

  • Avoid second-hand cannabis smoke for both you and your baby. To protect you and your children make your home and car smoke free. If you smoke, do it outside and ask family members and visitors to do the same.

  • Consider using cannabis products you can eat, such as oils, capsules or edibles rather than smoking to protect your lungs. Start with the least amount of THC possible and be aware the effects are delayed and can last up to 12 hours or more.

  • Keep cannabis products in its original packaging and in a locked place that is out of reach, and out of sight of children. If a child has used cannabis, contact the Poison Centre at 1-844-764-7669.

  • Avoid combining cannabis with alcohol, tobacco, prescription and/or non-prescription medications.

If you would like to reduce your cannabis use or would like help quitting, you can:

For more information, please visit: 

illustrated parent holding their baby to nurse

Other Helpful Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Topics:

See below for topics of interest to parents feeding their babies human milk.

Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding and Birth Control

Exclusive breastfeeding will likely prevent the return of your menstrual cycle in the first six months after birth. It is a reliable form of birth control (98% effective)called Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM).

Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) is a reliable form of birth control if all of the following are true: 

  • Your baby is less than six months old. 

  • Your periods have not returned (no spotting). 

  • Your baby is breastfeeding exclusively on cue day and night.*

  • Your baby is not regularly receiving any other food or drink including water. It also means that your baby is not using a pacifier. 

If you answer "NO" to any of these, start using another type of birth control. Keep nursing as often as you can for your baby's health.

*A baby who is fully breastfed or nearly fully breastfed should go no more than 4 hours between nursing during the day. At night your baby should not go more than 6 hours between feeds.

Non-hormonal methods of contraception

These methods are compatible with breastfeeding but remember, no method is 100% effective against pregnancy regardless of whether you are breastfeeding or not. 

  • Barrier methods (condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, sponge) 

  • Non-hormonal IUD 

  • Spermicides 

  • Natural Family Planning (Fertility Awareness) 

  • Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) 
Hormonal methods of contraception

If you are nursing and don't want to get pregnant, there are many types of birth control you can use. 

These methods include: 

  • contraceptive pills 

  • contraceptive implants 

  • injections and patches 

  • hormonal IUD 

  • vaginal ring 

If you prefer to use hormonal contraception while breastfeeding, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends using a progestin-only methods and waiting until your baby is at least six weeks old to allow time for your milk supply to be well-established. 

Speak with a health care provider to choose the type of contraception that is right for you. 
Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding When You're Back at School or Work

You and your baby both benefit from ongoing nursing. The longer you continue to give your baby human milk, the more protection you both get.

Some parents must return to work or school soon after their baby is born. You can continue to give your baby human milk once you go back. 

When you are getting ready to go back to work or school: 

  • Choose a caregiver that shares and supports your beliefs about breastfeeding/chestfeeding. 

  • Talk to your employer about your plans and need for a flexible work schedule. 

  • Talk with your health care provider or public health nurse about changing your feeding routines. Also talk to them about your options about expressing breast milk. 

When you're back at work or school: 

  • Nurse as soon as you get up in the morning and when you return home from work or school. 

  • Use breastfeeding/nursing times as a break and a chance to rest, particularly after work and in the evening. Lie down to nurse whenever possible. 

  • Depending on your baby's age, you may need to find a quiet area to express your milk. You can do this for comfort, to help maintain your milk supply and to have milk for the next day. 
Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding in Public

Anytime, Anywhere! 

One of the great things about breastfeeding/chestfeeding is that you can do it anytime, anywhere. You can breastfeed your baby at the mall, at the park or at a restaurant. 

Breastfeeding/chestfeeding individuals have the right to breastfeed anytime, anywhere. This right is protected by the Ontario Human Rights Commission. No one should stop you from breastfeeding your child because you are in a public area.

They should not: 

  • Ask you to cover up 

  • Disturb you 

  • Ask you to move to another area that is more "private" 

What can I do? 

If you feel your breastfeeding/chestfeeding rights are not being respected, you can: 

  • Inform the person, business or community agency of your right to breastfeed your baby in public 
Emergency Preparedness
Emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere. For information about breastfeeding during an emergency, storing breast milk during a power outage and more, visit our Emergency Preparedness page. 

Last reviewed August 2025

Want to speak with a Registered Dietitian? 

Call Health811 and ask to speak with a Registered Dietitian. Available Monday-Friday 9am-5pm by calling 8-1-1 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007) or starting a chat.   

Do you have more questions about parenting?

  • Connect with a registered nurse from Health811 for free, secure, and confidential health advice. Service is available 24/7 in English and French, with translation support also offered in other languages. Call 8-1-1 or visit Health811.ontario.ca.
  • Connect with a Community Navigator from 2-1-1 for information about community programs and resources across Eastern Ontario. Helpline service is available 24/7 and in many different languages. Call 2-1-1 or visit 211ontario.ca.
  • Connect with other parents on the Parenting in Ottawa Facebook page.
  • There are a variety of services to make it easier for your child to grow up healthy in Ottawa.
  • You can update your child's immunization record using either the Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) Tool or the CANImmunize App. 
  • If you have received a message from Ottawa Public Health such as a letter or a call regarding immunization, an infectious disease, or infection control lapse, please call 613-580-6744 and listen to the menu options carefully.

 

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