Some families need a little more help with breastfeeding as their circumstances require a unique approach. On this page you will find information about:
- Family health needs: Such as relactation, co-parenting, and feeding during emergencies
- Baby health needs: Such as feeding with a cleft lip and palate, Down syndrome, a lip and tongue tie, or prematurity
- Parent health needs: Such as breastfeeding after a c-section, food allergies and intolerances, and mental health and substance use
If you, your baby, or your family have unique feeding needs, explore the sections and resources below.
Family structures and circumstances will shape feeding options and needs. Certain situations may require unique approaches to support your family.
Adoption, surrogacy, and induced lactation
- Breastfeeding an adopted baby - La Leche League (LLL) International
- Inducing lactation and relactation support group - La Leche League (LLL) International
Co-parenting
- Breastfeeding and visitation or custody - La Leche League (LLL) USA
Feeding in emergencies
Human milk can be a secure food source for babies. Breastfeeding is protective during health and environmental emergencies, such as during a pandemic, flooding, and wildfires. However, in these stressful times, parents might require additional help with breastfeeding.
- Breastfeeding during a disaster and other emergencies - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Lactation after the loss of a baby
- Miscarriage, stillbirth, and loss of a baby - Northern Health
Relactation (restarting breastfeeding)
- Inducing lactation and relactation support group - La Leche League (LLL) International
- Supporting families with relactation - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Back to breast: 10 ways to relactate after a period of not breastfeeding - La Leche League (LLL) International
Transgender and non-binary parents
- Joint statement on the use of the term chestfeeding (PDF) - La Leche League (LLL) Canada and La Leche League (LLL) USA
- Northern Transgender Health Clinic - Northern Health
Twins, triplets, and more
- Breastfeeding multiple infants - HealthLink BC
Some families may need extra help to feed their babies at the breast, including babies born with a cleft lip or palate, Down syndrome, a lip or tongue tie, or preterm.
Cleft lip and palate
- Cleft palate: Feeding your baby - HealthLink BC
Down syndrome
- Breastfeeding a baby with Down syndrome (PDF) - Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS)
- Breastfeeding your baby with Down syndrome - La Leche League (LLL) Canada
Lip and tongue tie
- Tongue and lip ties - La Leche League (LLL) International
Preterm and low birth weight babies
- Breastfeeding your early preterm baby (PDF) - Perinatal Services BC
- Feeding your premature infant - HealthLink BC
- Tips for breastfeeding preterm babies - HealthLink BC
Many medications are compatible with breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is rarely contraindicated. However, some conditions may require unique approaches or extra help as you meet your feeding goals.
Alcohol, cannabis, and other substance use
Speak with your primary care provider for support on how to reduce unintentional harms for you and your baby. They can support you to explore safety planning, keep your home and vehicle smoke and vapour free, and reduce your overdose risk.
- Taking care: A short guide to breastfeeding and substance use (PDF) - Centre for Excellence for Women’s Health
Caesarean (c-section) birth
- Breastfeeding after a c-section - HealthLink BC
- Breastfeeding your baby after a caesarean birth (video) - Trillium Health Partners
Food allergy and intolerance
- Call Dietitian Services at HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 (or 1-604-215-8110) for help with food allergy or intolerance
- Food allergies and breastfeeding - La Leche League International
Medication use
Many mediations are compatible with breastfeeding. Speak with your primary care provider, local pharmacist, or call Pharmacist Services at HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 (or 1-604-215-8110) to ask questions about medications.
Mental health
Learning to breastfeed may take time for you and your baby. Parenting is an adjustment and can be challenging. If you are feeling overwhelmed or have concerns about your mental well-being, please reach out to your health care provider or local health unit. Support is available.
Surgery and other procedures
- Breastfeeding after breast surgery - HealthLink BC
- Breast milk and contrast media (PDF) - Fraser Health
Featured resources
- Breastfeeding info A to Z - La Leche League (LLL) International
- Breastfeeding matters: An important guide for breastfeeding families (PDF) - Best Start by Health Nexus
- Breastfeeding questions and challenges - BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre
Featured NH Stories
- Feeding young babies during the COVID-19 pandemic: Tips for parents and caregivers
- Human milk banking: Getting breast milk to the babies that need it most
- Kitimat team works to keep parents and babies together after c-section births
- Nursing in the NICU: Prince George lactation consultant shares her story
For more information
- Email us at Breastfeeding@northernhealth.ca
- Reach out to Northern Health for help with breastfeeding if you have any questions or concerns
- Connect with a La Leche League leader for mother-to-mother/parent-to-parent peer support
- Contact the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) Maternal and Child Health Program for breastfeeding supports in local First Nations communities
- Call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 (or 1-604-215-8110) to reach a nurse, dietitian, pharmacist, or exercise professional