Breastfeeding

The arrival of a baby brings many changes, and nutrition is one of them. Whether you choose to breastfeed, use infant formula, or combine both, it is normal to have questions and encounter challenges along the way.

Proper nutrition is important to support your baby’s growth and development. It is also important to meet your body’s nutritional needs after childbirth. At ABC Clinique Santé, our registered dietitian, Jasmine Brousseau, can support you during this transition with personalized guidance tailored to your reality, your goals, and your baby’s needs.

For Your Baby

Health Canada recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, when possible, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside the introduction of complementary foods.

That said, every situation is different. The early stages of breastfeeding can raise many questions, including concerns about weight gain, milk supply, feeding patterns, digestive discomfort, or possible food reactions.

Your registered dietitian can help you better understand your baby’s nutritional needs and make informed feeding choices. If breastfeeding is not possible or you choose another feeding method, she can also support you in using an infant formula that is appropriate for your child’s needs.

If you are concerned about symptoms, particularly those that may be related to a possible allergy or intolerance, your registered dietitian can assess the situation with you and help determine the appropriate next steps. When necessary, collaboration with other healthcare professionals involved in your child’s care may also be recommended.

As your baby grows, their nutritional needs evolve. Your registered dietitian can also guide you through the introduction of complementary foods to help establish a varied diet that is appropriate for your baby’s development.

For Mom

Your nutritional needs change after childbirth. If you are breastfeeding, your body needs sufficient energy and nutrients to support your health and maintain your nutritional stores. A balanced and varied diet remains the best approach, without having to follow an endless list of foods that are “allowed” or “off-limits.”

Your registered dietitian can help you adapt your diet to this new stage of life, whether your goals are to:

• meet your nutritional needs while breastfeeding;
• establish balanced eating habits after pregnancy;
• manage dietary restrictions or food-related concerns;
• gradually return to your pre-pregnancy weight, when appropriate;
• find simple ways to eat well despite sleepless nights and limited time.

Because eating well with a newborn does not always look the way you imagined it would, your registered dietitian will focus on providing realistic, flexible strategies that fit into your everyday life.

Support Tailored to Your Needs

There is no single “right” way to experience breastfeeding or feed your baby. The goal of our consultations is to provide you with the information and tools you need to make informed choices, without guilt and according to your individual situation.

Whether you have a specific question or simply want support during this new stage of life, our registered dietitian is here to help you and your baby.