The booklet My Breastfeeding Guide has information and answers questions expectant or new parents may have about breastfeeding. It can be shared with support persons.
Also available in English, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Farsi, Gujarati, Hindi, Korean, Punjabi, Russian, Serbian, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Tamil, Urdu and Vietnamese.
This Breastfeeding desk reference contains information on infant feeding, output and weight on one side (Breastfeeding frequency, tummy size, number of diapers, and baby weight), while the other side offers more in depth information about the assessment of effective breastfeeding for those working with breastfeeding mothers and their families as well as WHO approved guidelines on supplementation.
Also available in English.
This small table is a teaching aid for pregnant or new mothers in the first few weeks of their breastfeeding journey. Colourful graphics with minimal text provide an at-a-glance look that new parents find particularly helpful.
Provides information on Breastfeeding frequency, tummy size, number of diapers, and baby weight.
Print it so they can hang it on their fridge door!
Size: 13cm X 18cm or 5″ X 7″
Also available in English, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Cree, Farsi, Gujarati, Hindi, Korean, Ojibway, Punjabi, Russian, Serbian, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Tamil, Urdu and Vietnamese.
Developped with the support from LCBO, this colour brochure in French provides information for future parents about the risks associated with alcohol use while breastfeeding, and places to get help. It will help them to make an informed choice when it comes to drinking alcohol while breastfeeding.
Also available in English.
The Breastfeeding Wellness (Allaitement et bien-être in French) poster series was originally developed by the First Nation Health Authority, and adapted in English and French by Best Start by Health Nexus for Breastfeeding Week 2019. This series of 8 beautiful posters offers an Indigenous perspective on breastfeeding, with universal messages such as “Breast milk is the first traditional food” and “Breast milk flows through our ancestors to our future generations”.
The powerful messages of these posters can be further supported by handing out the Breastfeeding Wellness tip sheet (in English and French).
The posters are also available in English.
This foldable crib card was developed by the BFI Strategy for Ontario and is also available on the Breastfeeding Resources Ontario website. The crib card is a keepsake for families and a teaching aid for providers. The six panel card is gender neutral, and replaces formula-sponsored cards. It uses simple language with illustrations on key aspects of BFI-related postpartum care to all families regardless of their infant-feeding decision. Hospitals can personalize it by adding a 1.5in X 1.5in label (Avery 22805) with local supports. The accompanying Health Care Provider BFI Crib Card Teaching Guide (also in French) provides consistent background information and key messages to support health teaching to families.
Size: 11 x 7.5 cm or 4.5” x 3” Foldable format available in English, French, Cree and Ojibway.
Size: 9” x 12” Alternate formats available to view in English, French, Cree, Ojibway, Arabic, Bengali, simplified Chinese, Farsi, Gujarati, Hindi, Hungarian, Korean, Punjabi, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Tamil, Urdu and Vietnamese.
The Prenatal Education Program is a teaching aid for face-to-face prenatal education sessions. The audience for these modules includes the pregnant woman and her partner. The program consists of a series of 11 independent modules. Each module includes three files in PDF format: the slides, the speaker notes and a module outline (objectives, teaching aids, references, etc.).
This document provides an orientation to the program, a list of modules, methodology, suggested handouts and equipment, acknowledgements, program philosophy, etc. Revised 2018
Prenatal care guidelines and prenatal tests (schedule, prevention of low-birth weight, communicating with health care provider, amniocentesis, ultrasound, gestational diabetes, dental care, etc.) Revised 2018
PowerPoint slides in PDF format
Physiology of pregnancy (anatomical changes, development of baby, physical discomforts, etc.) Revised 2018
PowerPoint slides in PDF format
Nutrition (food groups, essential nutriments, etc.) Revised 2018
PowerPoint slides in PDF format
Physical activity (importance, contra indications, tips, etc.)
Emotional changes in pregnancy (prenatal depression and anxiety, feelings about parenthood, communicating with partner, healthy ways to cope with stress etc.) Revised 2019
PowerPoint slides in PDF format
Substance use (alcohol, tobacco, medication, herbal products, etc.). Environmental issues Revised 2018
PowerPoint slides in PDF format
Physical preparation for childbirth (fetal positions, preterm labour, stages of labour). Practical preparation for hospital childbirth (birth plan, preparing suitcase, pre-registration, tour, etc.) Revised 2018
PowerPoint slides in PDF format
Physical preparation for childbirth (fetal positions, preterm labour, stages of labour). Practical preparation for hospital childbirth (birth plan, preparing suitcase, pre-registration, tour, etc.) Revised 2018
PowerPoint slides in PDF format
Medical interventions / Pain management (anaesthetics, analgesics, episiotomy, caesarean birth, etc.) Revised 2018
PowerPoint slides in PDF format
Advantages, successful initiation and continuation, supports, etc. Revised 2016
PowerPoint slides in PDF format
Physical needs of mother after giving birth (pain relief, fatigue, discharges, etc.). Emotional needs of new family (postpartum mood disorders, partner’s feelings, etc.). Social needs of new family (roles and relationship, sexuality, home support, abuse/violence issues, etc.) Revised 2018
PowerPoint slides in PDF format
Newborn characteristics (characteristics, behaviours, growth & development, etc.). Taking care of newborn (hygiene, immunizations, warmth, attachment, sleep patterns, etc.). Baby safety (car seats, cribs, strollers, playpens, safe sleep, etc.) Revised 2018
PowerPoint slides in PDF format
This resource is for anyone who is thinking about becoming parents, are pregnant, or who are new parents. It provides information about the effects of cannabis on fertility, pregnancy, breastfeeding, parenting, and on children and adolescents when their mothers used cannabis during pregnancy. This resource summarizes the current knowledge about the effects of cannabis, marijuana, pot, etc.
Also available in English.
See also:
Thinking about using cannabis before or during pregnancy?
Thinking about using cannabis while parenting?
This resource is for women and men who are thinking about becoming parents, are pregnant, or who are new parents. It provides information about the effects of cannabis:
Legal use of cannabis doesn’t necessarily make it safe. Using cannabis can have effects on health, learning, relationships, fertility, pregnancy and children.
This resource summarizes the current knowledge about the effects of cannabis. It does not focus on any potential therapeutic medical benefits of cannabis.
What is cannabis?A plant:
The cannabis plant can grow wild, and may be grown outdoors and indoors.
Other names:
Marijuana is a common term for cannabis in the form of dried flowers, leaves, stems or seeds. Other common terms are weed, pot and grass. Hash and hash oil also come from the cannabis plant.
Ingredients:
There are more than 700 chemical compounds contained in the cannabis plant.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the chemical that makes people feel high.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is known for its medicinal qualities for pain, inflammation and anxiety. In contrast to THC, CBD does not make you feel as high. The medicinal effects of some strains are being studied, especially those with higher amounts of CBD.
Types:
There are different types of cannabis and the effects depend on the amount of THC, CBD, other chemicals, and their interactions. The THC content in cannabis has increased over the past several decades. Oils have the highest percentage of THC. For example, the THC content in edible cannabis products can vary widely, and can be potent.
Forms of use:
The dried flowers of the cannabis plant can be smoked, inhaled as a vapour, or added to foods or drinks. The oils can also be put in creams, and other products that are applied on the skin. When cannabis is eaten in products, such as brownies, the effects are not felt right away.
This may cause some people to eat more than they originally planned.
There are many types of cannabis products. |
People use cannabis to feel high, relaxed, or for medicinal purposes. The effects of using cannabis vary from one person to the other depending on:
The risks of using cannabis may include:
The effects of heavy use (1 or more joints per day) can last for several weeks, and even for years after stopping use. Evidence is showing a possible association between heavy regular cannabis use and the risk of developing, or worsening mental health symptoms.
For people at high-risk for mental health issues such as personal history of mood and anxiety disorders, or a family history of mental health disorders, the use of cannabis can increase the risk of developing a mental health disorder and increase the severity of the symptoms. In particular, there is a risk of a psychotic episode after cannabis use for those at risk.
Using tobacco and cannabis
Smoking tobacco and cannabis together (e.g. adding tobacco to cannabis joints) may increase cancer risk. Most people who smoke cannabis inhale more deeply as they hold the smoke in longer, exposing their lungs to more cancer-causing agents.
There is increasing evidence that cannabis is harmful to early brain development especially if used before the age of 25 years. Further studies are required to determine the full impact of early cannabis use on long- term outcomes, and its association with academic and employment success. |
There is no known safe amount of cannabis use in pregnancy and when breastfeeding. |
Here is what we know about cannabis:
Effects on conceiving:
Cannabis use may affect the ability to become pregnant. For example, heavy cannabis use has been linked to changes in menstrual cycle for women, and lower sperm count and poorer sperm quality in men.
Effects on pregnancy:
Some studies have shown that cannabis use may have some negative effects on pregnancy. For heavy cannabis users, and those who also use tobacco, cannabis may increase the risk of preterm birth.
Cannabis is often used with other drugs, such as alcohol. Alcohol and tobacco have very negative effects on pregnancy, and on the health of the fetus.
Some women report benefits from using cannabis to treat morning sickness during pregnancy. However, due to potential harms to the pregnancy, fetus and the mother, safer treatments should be discussed with a health care provider.
Pregnant women should take care of their health by eating well, taking prenatal vitamins, being physically active and getting rest. Seek advice from your prenatal care provider about the risks of your cannabis use before and during your pregnancy. Remember to start prenatal care early. |
Effects on the fetus:
Cannabis smoke contains many of the same harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke. Smoking cannabis can reduce the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. Some studies show effects on the newborn such as lower birth weight, lower alertness and slower growth of the new baby. Cannabis has not been linked to birth defects. However, the effects on the developing brain may be lasting, as the baby grows to an adolescent and adult.
Effects on breastfeeding:
When a breastfeeding mother uses cannabis, THC passes into the breast milk and is taken into a baby’s fat cells and brain. It can be stored for weeks. Some research found that infants exposed to THC through breast milk had slower motor development (affects baby’s movements and responses). More studies are required to determine the true effect of cannabis exposure when breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is still the healthiest choice for your baby. Until further information about the potential harms is available, it is recommended that women stop using cannabis while they are pregnant, or while breastfeeding. Caution is advised. |
To help your baby have a healthy brain, visit this interactive website: www.HealthyBabyHealthyBrain.ca
