Language note: Throughout this and other articles on feeding, we use the terms “breastfeeding” and “bottle feeding” for consistency and readability. We recognize that terms such as “chestfeeding” or “bodyfeeding” may better reflect the experiences and identities of some parents, and we encourage the use of each parent's preferred language in clinical practice. Bottle feeding may refer to feeding expressed human milk or infant formula by bottle. We also use inclusive, non-gendered language, such as “parent,” “breastfeeding parent” and “non-breastfeeding parent,” to acknowledge and respect the diversity of families and caregiving experiences.
As discussed in “ Planning and preparing for infant feeding,” parents choose different feeding methods for different reasons and deserve to be celebrated and supported for those choices. Many new parents have a desire to breastfeed their babies. If you want to breastfeed, it’s important to have the support you need to do so. This might include breastfeeding education and hands-on informational and practical support, especially in the early days of breastfeeding. You can use our Services Finder to find professionals who can help.
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You don't have to figure this out alone
Many feeding challenges improve with the right support. Lactation consultants, public health nurses, postpartum doulas, midwives, physicians, peer support groups such as La Leche League, and other perinatal mental health professionals can help with feeding challenges and/or the emotions that often accompany them.
References
This article was developed using sourced educational content from Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Trainings (CPMHT), and informed by the collective knowledge and expertise of CPMHT professionals and Karen Clarke, BA, MSW, RSW, Doula (Open Book Doula, Counselling and Consulting Services), as well as the following cited research and clinical practice guidelines:
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