Breastfeeding basics Breastfeeding basics - South West Health

16 B REASTFEEDING B ASICS
Once your baby feeds for as long as he or she
wants on the first breast, it is a good idea to
give baby the chance to burp. Burping releases
air that baby may have swallowed during
feeding. Breastfed babies tend to swallow less air
than bottlefed babies and may not need to burp
as much. You will learn if your baby needs to be
given the chance to burp. After burping, baby
may be ready to take the second breast. Baby
may want one or both breasts during a feeding.
When burping make sure baby’s back is straight.
Baby’s need for vitamin D
G ETTING OFF TO A G OOD S TART 17
All Canadians need vitamin D supplements
because of the limited amount of sunlight in our
northern climate. Sunlight is the main natural
source of vitamin D for humans and vitamin D
is needed to develop healthy bones and teeth.
Health Canada recommends that all breastfed,
healthy term babies in Canada receive a daily
vitamin D supplement of 10 ug (400 IU). Babies
taking fortified formulas do not need a vitamin
D supplement because it is already in their
formula.
Vitamin D supplementation should begin at
birth and continue until your baby’s diet
includes at least 10 ug (400 IU) per day of
vitamin D from other foods or until your
breastfed baby reaches one year of age.
A note about babies and sunlight:
Babies under 1 year of age should be kept out of
direct sunlight. Even on cloudy days up to 80%
of the sun’s rays can go through light clouds,
mist and fog. Try to avoid the sun during the
peak times of 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunscreen should not be put on your baby’s skin
under 6 months. You can put sunscreen with SPF
15 or 30 on your children over 6 months of age
before you take them outside. 1
1 The information on sun safety is from the Canadian Dermatology
Association and Canadian Cancer Society.