Your hospital breastfeeding checklist

Did you know…? The natural protection in breast milk will help nurture your newborn.

Did you know? Developing your support network now can help you feel good about feeding your baby later.

Did you know? The “superpowers” of breast milk for your baby (and you) cannot be underestimated—and pregnancy is the perfect time to prepare.

You’re expecting—what an exciting time! 

Since every day should build on the excitement you felt the moment you found out, here’s a checklist that focuses on the start of your amazing journey. It’s meant to put your initial pregnancy questions and concerns to bed, so you can look forward to all the thrills that lie ahead for you…and your baby! 

Practical action steps to take before, during, and after birth

Your pregnancy: weeks 36 – 39.  It’s the final countdown to your baby’s grand entrance!

Packing for the hospital is not quite as simple as packing for a weekend trip since you leave home pregnant, and return with an extra bundle of joy. Your baby will need some amenities and don’t forget your labour coach either. Here's what to pack for the hospital when having a baby.

Your pregnancy: weeks 5-8. A balanced diet, rich in vitamins and minerals, is important during this stage. Good nutrition can positively influence your baby's growth and development. Around week 7, your baby has doubled in size already!

Breastmilk has everything your little one needs to grow*—and offers benefits for you, too.

 * All breastfeed, full-term infants in Canada should receive a daily vitamin D supplement of 10µg (400IU)      

There are so many things to do before bringing baby home from the hospital. One thing is for certain, if you have a car, you’ll need a properly-installed rear-facing infant car seat to bring your baby home safely.

Your pregnancy: weeks 9-13. Your silhouette still may not show your pregnancy, but you begin to feel that the baby is there. Around the 12th week is the time for the first ultrasound and where you can see your baby for the first time.

Why 30 minutes a day can impact a lifetime.

Babies’ taste preferences start before they are born

A lack of folic acid during pregnancy leads to higher risk of neural tube defects in the baby. Learn about supplementing with folic acid and how much you need.

Your pregnancy: weeks 14-17. Your baby's individual features and sensory organs are now being fine tuned. Iron requirements increase during this period as your blood volume increases to help build reserves of for the fetus and placenta.

Being pregnant is an exciting experience, not only are you anticipating the day you finally hold your baby in your arms, but your body is also going through amazing changes.

10 essential questions about gestational diabetes answered

Your pregnancy: weeks 18-22. A month of finishing touches for the baby. A miracle for those who have not felt it as yet - which is often the case in the first pregnancy - you feel the movements of your baby!

Time to think about what to pack for your new baby—including that special going-home outfit—and for yourself, as well as what you might need for breastfeeding.