Choosing to Breastfeed

Most women are able to breastfeed.

	a)	True
	b)	False
Right answer ! Most women are capable of and can breastfeed. One of the most important things is wanting to breastfeed your baby. If the baby is positioned correctly, breastfeeding will come naturally with a little practice. Certain circumstances can prevent mothers from breastfeeding: Mothers who are addicted to drugs and alcohol, mothers receiving treatment for cancer, or mothers who are infected with HIV. Wrong answer ! Most women are capable of and can breastfeed. One of the most important things is wanting to breastfeed your baby. If the baby is positioned correctly, breastfeeding will come naturally with a little practice. Certain circumstances can prevent mothers from breastfeeding: Mothers who are addicted to drugs and alcohol, mothers receiving treatment for cancer, or mothers who are infected with HIV.

Mothers with small breasts produce less milk than mothers with big breasts.

	a)	True
	b)	False
Right answer ! The size of the breasts is not important. Big or small, they can produce all the milk the baby requires. What counts is to start breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth. The more you breastfeed, the more milk you will produce.Wrong answer ! The size of the breasts is not important. Big or small, they can produce all the milk the baby requires. What counts is to start breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth. The more you breastfeed, the more milk you will produce.

Women with flat or inverted nipples cannot breastfeed.

	a)	True
	b)	False
Right answer ! The baby does not suck the nipple but sucks the whole breast. Although it is easier for the baby to suck at the breast when the nipple stands out, it is not necessary. Generally, most problems may be eliminated when breastfeeding is well initiated.Wrong answer ! The baby does not suck the nipple but sucks the whole breast. Although it is easier for the baby to suck at the breast when the nipple stands out, it is not necessary. Generally, most problems may be eliminated when breastfeeding is well initiated.

Breastfeeding causes the breasts to "sag".

	a)	True
	b)	False
Right answer ! This is the biggest myth surrounding breastfeeding. It is the hormones of pregnancy that cause the breasts to sag and not breastfeeding. The solution is to wear a good support bra. You will notice that your breasts will return to their normal shape and size once you stop breastfeeding. Wrong answer ! This is the biggest myth surrounding breastfeeding. It is the hormones of pregnancy that cause the breasts to sag and not breastfeeding. The solution is to wear a good support bra. You will notice that your breasts will return to their normal shape and size once you stop breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding takes a lot of time.

	a)	True
	b)	False
Right answer ! In reality, many mothers find that breastfeeding gives them more freedom than formula feeding. The activities of all new mothers are limited to feeding and caring for the baby and being tired. The first few weeks of your new life with your baby are a time of change and joy. This is true for all new moms! Wrong answer ! In reality, many mothers find that breastfeeding gives them more freedom than formula feeding. The activities of all new mothers are limited to feeding and caring for the baby and being tired. The first few weeks of your new life with your baby are a time of change and joy. This is true for all new moms!

A mother who is breastfeeding must watch what she eats.

	a)	True
	b)	False
Right answer ! A breastfeeding mother must have a balanced diet but nothing obliges her to eat certain foods or prevents her from eating others. In certain cases the baby may be bothered by what the mother has eaten, but this is unusual. When the baby has colic, gas, or cries, modifying the breastfeeding is a better solution than changing the mother's diet. Wrong answer ! A breastfeeding mother must have a balanced diet but nothing obliges her to eat certain foods or prevents her from eating others. In certain cases the baby may be bothered by what the mother has eaten, but this is unusual. When the baby has colic, gas, or cries, modifying the breastfeeding is a better solution than changing the mother's diet.

Mothers who smoke can breastfeed their babies.

	a)	True
	b)	False
Right answer ! However, we strongly recommend you quit smoking as soon as you find out that you are pregnant. A mother, who is unable to quit smoking, should still breastfeed. It is proven that breastfeeding reduces the negative effects of tobacco on the baby's lungs. Breastfeeding is good for the baby and the mother. It is better if the mother does not smoke but if she can't stop or reduce her consumption, it is better to smoke and breastfeed than to smoke and not breastfeed.Wrong answer ! However, we strongly recommend you quit smoking as soon as you find out that you are pregnant. A mother, who is unable to quit smoking, should still breastfeed. It is proven that breastfeeding reduces the negative effects of tobacco on the baby's lungs. Breastfeeding is good for the baby and the mother. It is better if the mother does not smoke but if she can't stop or reduce her consumption, it is better to smoke and breastfeed than to smoke and not breastfeed.

A woman who is breastfeeding can become pregnant.

	a)	True
	b)	False
Right answer ! Breastfeeding is not an effective method of birth control, but it can be a good method to separate births. Breastfeeding provides a good protection during the first six months following delivery. This protection is only reliable if the baby is breastfed exclusively, if the feedings are relatively frequent - at least 6 to 8 feedings per 24 hours, if there are no long interruptions between feedings, and if the mother has not started her period. To avoid a pregnancy, you should use a more appropriate method of contraception while you are breastfeeding. Wrong answer ! Breastfeeding is not an effective method of birth control, but it can be a good method to separate births. Breastfeeding provides a good protection during the first six months following delivery. This protection is only reliable if the baby is breastfed exclusively, if the feedings are relatively frequent - at least 6 to 8 feedings per 24 hours, if there are no long interruptions between feedings, and if the mother has not started her period. To avoid a pregnancy, you should use a more appropriate method of contraception while you are breastfeeding.

If a woman breastfeeds, her partner is excluded from providing care to the baby.

	a)	True
	b)	False
Right answer ! In the beginning when you and the baby are establishing the milk production, there are many other things that your partner can do to help you. He can take the baby in his arms, sing a lullaby, change, bath, console, and walk the baby as well as other things. This will help him to develop a close relationship with the baby.Wrong answer ! In the beginning when you and the baby are establishing the milk production, there are many other things that your partner can do to help you. He can take the baby in his arms, sing a lullaby, change, bath, console, and walk the baby as well as other things. This will help him to develop a close relationship with the baby.

It is possible to continue breastfeeding even after returning to work or to school.

	a)	True
	b)	False
Right answer ! In New Brunswick, many mothers can benefit from a four to six month or longer maternity leave. However, students, part-time workers, and self-employed mothers may not have access to this paid leave. If you must return to work or to school within the baby's first month of life, it is still possible to breastfeed with the help of your partner, a babysitter, a relative, or a friend. Wrong answer ! In New Brunswick, many mothers can benefit from a four to six month or longer maternity leave. However, students, part-time workers, and self-employed mothers may not have access to this paid leave. If you must return to work or to school within the baby's first month of life, it is still possible to breastfeed with the help of your partner, a babysitter, a relative, or a friend.