1. Question: When should I take my baby for a check-up after leaving the hospital?

Answer: Your baby should have a check-up by a " breastfeeding specialist" between 1-2 days after leaving the hospital. A " breastfeeding specialist" can be a nurse, midwife, lactation consultant, or doctor. Your baby should then have a second check-up within 7 days after birth. This second check-up should be with your doctor.

2. Question: When will I start to make breast milk? Will I make enough for my baby?

Answer: In the first few days, your breasts will make a special milk in small amounts called " colostrum" . After 3-5 days, your breasts will feel fuller and begin to make breast milk. More milk will be made when your baby breastfeeds more often and has a good suck. Most mothers have more than enough breast milk to feed their baby.

Answer: These are times when your baby is growing quickly and will need to breastfeed more often. Growth spurts happen at about 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months of age. They will often last for a few days. Your breasts will make enough milk for your baby during these growth spurts.

Answer: Your baby may have:
• fast eye movements under the eyelids as he/she begins to wake up to feed.
• sucking and licking movements of the mouth.
• putting hands into the mouth.
• stretching and increased body movements.
• making small sounds.
It is best to feed your baby before he/she is too upset and crying loudly.

Answer: It is common for young babies to spit up after feeding or when being burped. This should not be a problem if your baby is showing signs of drinking enough (see the section on " How To Tell If Your Baby Is Breastfeeding Well" ). Many babies will spit up less often at about 4-6 months of age.

Answer: This is a personal choice. The World Health Organization recommends giving only breast milk for the first 6 months. They support breastfeeding to continue with the introduction of other foods for up to 2 years or more. Many mothers will breastfeed for longer. There is no " right time" to stop.

Answer: At this time, The Canadian Pediatric Society still recommends giving all breastfed babies vitamin D drops. Talk to your doctor about this.

Answer: In almost all cases, it is safe to continue breastfeeding. Call Motherisk (813-6780) or a Breastfeeding Clinic for more information.

Answer: Enjoy a variety of foods and follow " Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating." You can get a free copy of the food guide by calling your local public health office (see the back of this book for phone numbers). There are no foods you must stay away from. Some foods may affect the baby, but this is not common. Drink whenever you are thirsty.

Answer: Look at the back of this book.