Breastfeeding basics Breastfeeding basics - South West Health

34 B REASTFEEDING B ASICS
In our communities, we want to support what
is best for moms and babies, but we have some
challenges to overcome. For one, breastfeeding
mothers need role models. Your own mother
and grandmothers may not have breastfed.
Therefore, you may have to look beyond your
family for practical breastfeeding support. For
another, many ways that bottlefed babies were
cared for do not work well for breastfed
babies—things like letting babies cry until the
scheduled feeding time. You might find that
your family thinks that you are spoiling your
baby when you breastfeed “on demand.” Try to
talk with your family members about this. You
may need support from others, in addition to
your family, to know that your parenting
choices, when it comes to breastfeeding, are
best for baby. Breastfeeding circles or new
mothers groups are a good place to find out
how others deal with such issues. See Getting
Help, page 89, to find supportive people or
groups near you. You can also talk with your
public health nurse. Phone numbers are listed
on page 90.
T HE E ARLY W EEKS AND M ONTHS 35
You may also wonder whether or not to
breastfeed in public. You have the right to
breastfeed your baby anytime, anywhere. This
right is protected in Nova Scotia by law and by
government policy. If it is an appropriate place
to bottlefeed a baby, then it is an appropriate
place to breastfeed. You decide what works for
you.
Look for this
sticker
Nova Scotia’s Human Rights Act and
Breastfeeding Policy protect your right to
breastfeed in public. Public places include
restaurants, retail stores, shopping centres,
theatres, and so forth. You should not be
prevented from breastfeeding your baby in
a public area. You should also not be asked
to move to another area that is more discreet.
If either of these things happens, you can file
a complaint with the Nova Scotia Human
Rights Commission.