Village Lactation
Handouts for Families
General Topics for Lactation Care
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Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding my Newborn, the First 2 weeks - Information to help get breastfeeding off to the right start. We recommend that every lactating parent with a newborn should check out this handout. This resource was created with support from the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Alberta.
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Navigating Low Milk supply - Tips to increase your milk supply while following 3 key themes; 1 - feed the baby, 2 - protect the milk supply, 3 - combine 1 & 2. This resource was created with support from the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Alberta.
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Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding after Breast Reduction Surgery- Breastfeeding after breast reduction (BFAR) surgery may present unique differences for a lactating dyad, with a wide spectrum of outcomes and potential challenges. This handout is intended to provide some initial context and strategies for BFAR families.
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Emergency Kit for Babies - Preparedness & evacuation regarding Feeding needs for Babies 0-6 months old.
This resource was created with support from the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Alberta.
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Direct Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Position Handouts
​Village - Positioning Principles & Latching Partnership - Foundational principles for any positioning partnership and working with your baby.
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Village - Semi-Reclined (aka laid back) - commonly suggested latching position which can be a solution for many breastfeeding challenges
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Positions and Latching - Explore a variety of body latching positions by La Leche League Canada.
Bottle Feeding Handouts
Village - Responsive Bottle Feeding - Cue-based bottle feeding is used to encourage your baby’s natural feeding skills. It keeps them working as an actively engaged feeding partner.
Village - Elevated Side-Lying position - another approach for bottle feeding your baby.​
Human Milk Storage - Handout from IABLE on human milk storage guidelines.
Parent Health Topics
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Dealing with Engorgement, Compressed Ducts, & Mastitis - Essential principles for managing breast engorgement (swelling) and related concerns. This resource was created with support from the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Alberta.
Pumping Optimization - single page tips on pumping principles
Mastitis Spectrum Protocol - guidance on engorgement and mastitis inflammatory spectrum breast care.
How Taking Care of Yourself Helps Baby - created by More Milk Sooner team.
Breastfeeding After Surgery - Guidance to support parents expecting to have day surgery while lactating.
Infant Health Handouts​
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Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Parent Handouts
The linked handouts here are in english, but you find versions in many different languages on the Academy of Breastfeeding website.
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Physiologic Infant Care - Supporting breastfeeding, sleep, and well-being
Hypoglycemia - Low Blood Sugar in Newborn
Disclaimer: These handouts are for general use to support families. Specific content on these handouts is not intended as medical advice from any of the physicians or staff at Village Lactation. We are, however, more than happy for you to share these resources if you find them helpful.
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Websites for Families
Families & providers may find some of the following resources useful
Prenatal care resources
Prenatal Education Booklet - Prenatal Breastfeeding & maternal self care booklet created by Dr. Katrina Mitchell from Physician Guide to Breastfeeding.
Postpartum Planning Workbook - 5 page handout from Physician Guide to Breastfeeding helps expectant parents plan for their postpartum experience.
More Milk Sooner- Useful handouts and videos on antenatal colostrum expression (milk expression while still pregnant) and hand expression.
Lactation specific resources
Global Health Media - Contains many useful videos including attaching your baby at the breast, position options for breastfeeding, and breastfeeding within the first hour. They are very well made videos with nice visuals.
La Leche League International - Their mission is to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.
First Droplets - Concise and useful videos to learn about the A,B,Cs to help establishing your milk supply.
Mother to Baby - Fact Sheets on medications during pregnancy & lactation.
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Child health and maternal health resources
Healthy Children Healthy Parents - Alberta Health Services information for parents about pregnancy and parenthood.
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HEAL - Alberta Health website helping parents find reliable information about minor illness and injuries.
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Books
Physician Guide to Breastfeeding Books List - Books for parenthood, lactation, & the postpartum period.
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Your Baby Is Speaking to You - A Visual Guide to the Amazing Behaviours of Your Newborn and Growing Baby.
Disclaimer: These sites are from third-party groups and are not maintained by myself. Specific content found on these sites should not be interpreted as medical advice from Village Lactation or their respective sites.