Breastfeeding Buddies Waterloo Region

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Kitchener, ON
Breastfeeding Buddies Waterloo Region

Providing FREE Peer to Peer Lactation Support in Waterloo Region and Beyond. Some in person programming will resume as Covid-19 restrictions change.

The Breastfeeding Buddies Program was initiated by breastfeeding mothers in the community and has been supporting families in Waterloo Region for the last 20 years. Recognizing the value of peer-to-peer support, the aim of the Breastfeeding Buddies Program is to help increase the number of parents achieving success in reaching *their* breastfeeding and chestfeeding goals - by supporting parents with the evidence based tools, resources and information they need to make informed decisions. Breastfeeding Buddies also help parents foster connections with other nursing families and their community through virtual programming and other local events. All of our peer volunteers have at least 6 months of personal breastfeeding or chestfeeding experience, complete a 3 day training program, and receive additional education opportunities to provide quality, non judgmental, evidenced based support to other nursing families. The Me Breastfeed workshop is a prenatal class for parents and their partners to attend before the baby arrives. This practical workshop offers parents and their partner's valuable information as to what to expect in the first 7 days after birth, help with overcoming common challenges, and where to find community resources. The "Latch and Learn" and "Beyond Basics" series cover many topics such as transitioning into parenthood, milk supply, night time parenting and nursing beyond a year. All families are welcome!

09/12/2025

Did you know that while offering bottles may seem like a great way to help, it often comes at a cost for nursing parents.

In order to make sure their milk supply continues to match their baby's needs (and to avoid painful issues like engorgement, blocked ducts and mastitis) it's important to hand express or pump each time the baby is being fed away from the breast/chest.

So while a bottle may seem to be helpful at first, for most nursing families it actually means extra time spent expressing milk, washing dishes and missed opportunities for more rest.

Luckily there are lots of other ways to offer love and support! Looking for more ways to offer help or bond with the new baby? We can help! Visit the link in our bio to connect.

Have questions about your milk supply or latch? Bring your questions to ANY of our free Virtual Latch & Learn Workshops, or drop in to our weekly Walk & Talk meet-up at the park. Pregnant and wondering what you can do to make nursing your baby easier from the start? Be sure to register for our FREE prenatal lactation workshop 'Me Breastfeed". For more information or to register, visit the link in our bio.

09/11/2025

Struggling with crying?😭 Wondering if you'll ever be able to set your baby down for long enough to find a chance to rest? Trying to calm a crying baby can feel overwhelming, especially when you're tired! Join us online (even if your baby is crying) to learn the tips you need to find more rest while learning how to navigate meeting your baby's needs (and yours too). To register for this or any of our other FREE Latch & Learn workshops visit the link in our bio.🥰

09/10/2025

Isn't this amazing?!!😮 Not only does your milk help your baby grow, it also helps grow their developing brain! A recent study out of Yale found a molecule (myo-inositol) in human milk that increases the abundance & function of synapses (or connections) in your baby's brain! It also appears to be dose-dependent meaning the more human milk your baby has the more benefits they receive! A fantastic reminder that your milk is so much more than just a source of food for your baby!

While scientists have long recognized the link between the amazing properties of human milk and brain development, this new discovery shows just how much more we have to learn when it comes to understanding precisely how milk helps grow the connections in your baby's brain. You can learn more about this amazing discovery here TinyURL.com/BrainBoostingMilk

Need support to reach your nursing or pumping goals? Have questions about your milk supply or latch? We're here to help! Visit the link in our bio to learn more about our FREE in-person and virtual support options.

09/09/2025

It's Latina/x Breastfeeding Week! This year the theme is "Territorio del Corazón/ Amamantar sin Fronteras" or "Territory Of The Heart / Breastfeeding Without Borders". Be sure to head over to Latina/x Breastfeeding Week to follow along with all the great events happening this week! What steps will you take to honour & celebrate this important week?

Have questions about your milk supply or latch? Wish you had a few tips and tricks to make nursing and pumping while caring for your baby and yourself easier? Need support to reach your nursing or pumping goals? Looking to connect with a Breastfeeding Buddy who speaks your language? We're here to help! Visit the link in our bio to learn about our FREE virtual & in-person support options or to connect.📲🥰

09/05/2025

Learning to express your milk takes patience and practice! It’s important to be gentle with yourself while you are learning.

🤚Hand expression can be more effective than pumping for some! It can be used in combination with pumping to help make your pumping sessions more effective. Plus, it's the most effective way to remove (your first milk)! Check out TinyURL.com/HowToExpress to learn how.

📏When pumping, a properly fitted fl**ge is vital. Learn more at TinyURL.com/PumpFits Need help with sizing? An IBCLC can help ensure you have the correct fit.

⚙️Creating a routine can help cue your body to respond more easily.

👶To help your milk flow try thinking about your - use pictures, videos, scent and/or try heat & massage.

📱For some, distraction may be of help. Relax & take in your favourite comedy, listen to music or anything else that helps get the feel good hormones going as they help your milk to flow.

🎚️How much you pump/express is not an indication of how much milk your baby gets. If you have concerns about your baby, speak with a lactation savvy Healthcare Professional or IBCLC.

🥛There is a wide variety of what’s normal when it comes to how much milk you can express. With practice & a good routine the average amount from BOTH sides combined is typically between 1.5 - 2oz between nursing sessions, or 3-4 oz when replacing a nursing session. **Expect to express smaller amounts when your baby is new, or has recently nursed.

While not all parents will pump/express milk, for those that do (either by necessity or choice) it’s important to have good support. Have questions about your or latch? Wish you had a few more tips to make , expressing or planning your return to work or school easier? We're here to help! Bring your questions to ANY of our FREE virtual Latch & Learn sessions or watch for our next "Breastfeeding Beyond A Year & Returning To Work" session - it will give you the tools, tips and information you need to reach your Breastfeeding, Chestfeeding or Pumping goals whether you're returning to work or not. For more information visit the link in our bio.📲

09/04/2025

Wondering how to tell if your baby is getting enough?🤔🤷 Do you have questions about your milk supply? Then be sure to join us for our FREE Latch & Learn workshop where you'll learn how to build and protect your milk supply, and find out what normal feeding patterns really look like! Have other breastfeeding or chestfeeding questions? Bring them along! Visit the link in the bio to learn more!

09/03/2025

Did you know there are benefits to creating a lactation friendly workplace? Want to learn more about how ensuring your employees' lactation needs are cared for benefits your company? Check out this amazing resource TinyURL.com/EmployersToolkit

Have questions or need support? Visit the link in our bio to connect!

09/02/2025

It's Workplace Lactation Week, and this year's theme "A World of Support: Creating Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplaces Everywhere" emphasizes support in any work environment a parent occupies, meeting them where they are - whether they work in an office, a factory, remotely, in the field, or are traveling abroad.

Fun Fact - Employers who create supportive environments for lactating families benefit in many ways, not the least of which is improved productivity and lower absenteeism! Looking for ways to help make your workplace more supportive? Check out the toolkit available here at TinyURL.com/EmployersToolkit

Living in Ontario and planning your return to work? Be sure to check out FREE virtual Beyond The Basics session all about returning to work - discover your options and get the tools, tips and information you need to reach your Breastfeeding, Chestfeeding or Pumping goals. Happy Workplace Lactation Week!

📌Next session too far away? You are always welcome to bring your lactation questions to any of our virtual Latch & Learn workshops, or to our weekly local drop-in sessions in the park - for more information, or to connect visit the link in our bio.📲

08/29/2025

Your milk is amazing and offers many benefits for both you AND your baby after the first year!

In addition to offering nutrition, your milk is also chock full of antibodies that help protect your child against illness, and offer long term health protections as well. It also helps reduce YOUR risk of certain types of cancers, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This is why breast/chestfeeding is recommended for 2 years (and beyond).

Nursing to natural term is NORMAL and beneficial and when children are allowed to self wean, they typically do so between the ages of 2 and 7 years old. So how long *should* you nurse your little one? There is no harm in continuing to nurse until you or your child are ready to wean - so long as it continues to work for BOTH of you.💖

Have questions about your milk supply or latch? Need support to reach your breastfeeding, chestfeeding or pumping goals? Baby beyond the newborn days and find yourself wishing you had a few more tips and strategies to make things easier? We're here to help! Visit the link in our bio to learn more about our FREE “Beyond A Year” workshop, or to connect with our other FREE Virtual or In Person Support options!

📌Please note: It's extremely uncommon for children to self wean before the age of one. If your baby is under 12 months and refusing to nurse you're likely dealing with a nursing strike rather than a baby who's ready to wean. Hand express or pump to keep your baby fed and your milk flowing, then connect with your healthcare provider or skilled lactation professional to rule out illness, determine the cause of the nursing strike and make a plan to help you and your baby reach your breastfeeding or chestfeeding goals.

08/28/2025

Are you considering weaning? Whether you're planning to night wean, or fully wean your little one, we have the tips you need to make the process easier on both of you. We'll be sharing gentle, peer tested tips, tricks and strategies to help make the transition a little smoother AND talk about what you can expect when it comes to hormonal and emotional changes too! To register your spot at our virtual workshop visit the link in our bio!

👉This session is offered on a rotating basis along with the other workshops in our Beyond The Basics series. In need of support before the next session? Visit the link in our bio to be matched with a Breastfeeding Buddy for one on one support.

📌Please note: matched one on one support is only available to residents of Ontario at this time. However, our virtual programs are open to all lactating families regardless of location.🌎 You are always welcome to attend any of our virtual sessions for support at any point in your journey.🥰

08/27/2025

Spread the word!📣 New guidance has just been released to help those facing breast cancer, and their healthcare providers navigate lactation during and after cancer treatment!

🩺The new medical guidelines were created to ensure healthcare providers everywhere have access to the latest in up to date, evidence based guidance for managing lactation & cancer screening and treatment - ensuring parents receive the best care possible and in many cases helping to preserve lactation and the nursing relationship! The new guidance also covers information for cancer screening and treatment during pregnancy as well.🫄🏾

📒You can find the new medical guidance for healthcare providers by visiting TinyURL.com/MDGuideOncolactation

Have questions about your milk supply or latch? Looking to connect with local lactation supports? Need a few tips to make nursing or pumping while caring for your baby and yourself easier? We're here to help - visit the link in our bio to connect!

08/26/2025

Nervous about getting back into a routine after all the summer fun? Check out these great tips to make going back easier for everyone.

🤱🏽Plan to nurse your baby right before you go. Babies often drift off to sleep when their tummy is full making it easier to get to your destination.

🤸Spit Happens - be flexible and plan ahead, leaving extra time means you'll still have time to spare, even if your baby blows through a diaper and needs to nurse again after a diaper change.

👆👶Planning to wear your little one? Practice makes everything easier, so take a little time this week to work on getting your little one in and out of the wrap/carrier. You may even be able to latch your baby so you can nurse on the go! 🎒It's a good idea to make sure that any bags you'll need to bring with you are easy to get on and off while you're wearing your baby.

🌙Prepare things the night before: Pack the lunches, diaper bag, school bag and make sure all the coats/shoes you'll need are ready for the morning. Have a toddler who likes to choose what they wear? Helping them select an outfit & put it in a special place the night before, may make for a smoother morning. Baby nurse more frequently in the evening? Try preparing things the afternoon before instead!

👶🏾⏰Watch the baby, not the clock: Babies have small stomachs and need to eat frequently - so it's no wonder they get hungry on the go. Following your baby's lead helps maintain your milk supply AND keep your baby calm and relaxed. Nervous about nursing in public? Knowing your rights can help you feel confident latching your baby ! Your right to nurse your child in public areas (like in schools, stores or on public transit) is protected by law.

🎁Give yourself some grace: Even when you're really prepared and have planned ahead there may still be a few unforeseen bumps in the road. Be kind to yourself adjusting to change, transitions and new routines takes time!

👇Have a great tip to share? Drop it below!
Need support? We can help, visit the link in our bio to learn more.

Address

44 Francis Street S
Kitchener, ON
N2G2A2

Telephone

+15197721016

Website

https://linktr.ee/BreastfeedingBuddies

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