Top 5 Places To Breastfeed In Winter
Whether you’ve got a newborn who is still learning to latch properly or you and your baby have a feeding routine, cold weather can make it hard to find a comfortable place outside of your home to sit down and feed your child.
But breastfeeding is a natural way to feed your baby, and comes with many benefits for both of you, including better overall health and protection from illness and infection. The World Health Organization recommends that infants be breastfed exclusively for the first six months of their lives.
So don’t let the cold weather stop you from getting outside the house and doing what’s best for you and your baby. Here are five places to breastfeed so that you can enjoy the winter with your baby.
- Head to a drop-in program: Stop by a drop-in program for a place to sit down, meet other moms and feed your baby while learning tips and tricks to help you and your baby breastfeed. Check out ontariobreastfeeds.ca for a searchable list of local support services.
- Stop in at a shopping mall: Shopping malls will often have food courts or specific family-friendly spaces where you can find a comfy chair and be able to breastfeed and change your baby in a sanitary environment.
- Grab a coffee at a café: For the price of a cup of coffee, you can settle down in a warm coffee shop and sip a warm drink while you nourish your baby. Just don’t overdo it on the caffeine — Health Canada recommends that breastfeeding moms drink a maximum of 300 mg of caffeine per day. This is about two cups of coffee.
- Browse at your local library or bookstore: Grab a book or magazine and hang out on a chair at your local public library or bookstore. These are great places to get in out of the cold and keep yourself entertained while getting in some breastfeeding time.
- Shop at breastfeeding-friendly businesses and community spaces: Check with your local public health unit to see if they keep a list of breastfeeding-friendly businesses and community spaces in your area. Some will have lists on their websites of places that welcome breastfeeding moms and their babies.
If you need help, call Ontario’s free telephone breastfeeding support service at 1-866-797-0000 (or 1-866-797-0007 for TTY) to talk with a registered nurse with specific training.
Breastfeeding is good for babies in many ways. However, some moms may not be able to breastfeed for medical reasons, and some mothers and babies, despite all best efforts, experience challenges. We encourage these moms to speak with their primary care providers about the best options for their babies. The most important thing is to ensure your baby is getting the nutrition he/she needs.
Courtesy of: www.newscanada.com