© This work to be shared in its entirety, and credit given to the authors, Chris Blackman and Johanna Rzepa

RED: TO INITIATE / RESPOND TO LIFE'S NEW CHALLENGES BREASTFEEDING THE FIRST 1-6 DAYS 1. Breastmilk only, as soon as possible after birth to provide baby with colostrum. 2. Feed often, every 1 to 3 hours. No pacifiers or bottles. 1-3 wet cloth diapers on days 1 and Wet diapers increase to 6-8 cloth by days 3-5. Breast engorgement can occur up to day Feed often at early signs of hunger (hunger cues). Examples of hunger cues are fist to mouth, when baby first wakes from sleep, before baby cries. 5. Breastmilk production is stimulated when baby latches and feeds effectively. Let baby feed at breast for as long as baby wants. 6. Get help with baby's latch and positioning if nipple pain lasts longer than 1 minute after latching, or baby is not regaining the weight lost after birth. © This work to be shared in its entirety, and credit given to the authors, Chris Blackman and Johanna Rzepa

ORANGE: MORE CONFIDENCE BREASTFEEDING WEEKS 1 TO 6 1. Breastfeed often to build and maintain milk supply. 2. Baby's weight has returned to birth weight by about 2 weeks. 3. Baby growthspurt may increase baby's appetite for several days. Plan: feed on demand to increase milk production. 4. No supplements of water or formula required as breastmilk provides ideal nourishment. Baby begins to gain oz a week. 5. Baby determines when and how long to feed. Another growth spurt at 6 weeks. 6. Seek emotional support, if necessary, to cope with many family adjustments and new sensations. © This work to be shared in its entirety, and credit given to the authors, Chris Blackman and Johanna Rzepa

YELLOW: MENTAL CLARITY BREASTFEEDING WEEKS 7-12 (UP TO 3 MONTHS) 7. Breastfeeding relationship is well underway, enjoy. Baby maintains eye contact during feedings. 8. Keep breastfeeding even if mother temporarily unwell, as her antibodies, or protective factors, will be passed onto baby. Breasts may leak during sex. Try to feed baby beforehand, if possible. 9. Baby has less wet diapers, but diapers are wetter. Weight gain continues at oz a week. 10. Less bowel movements at this stage are normal, as long as baby is gaining weight. Breastfed babies are rarely constipated. 11. Another growthspurt around 3 months. Keep feeding on demand. Baby will return to previous nursing pattern. 12. Normal for mother to question her milk supply at this stage when her breasts feel smaller. The milk supply is fine as long as baby is gaining well. © This work to be shared in its entirety, and credit given to the authors, Chris Blackman and Johanna Rzepa

GREEN: LEARNING TO INTEGRATE NEW SITUATIONS BREASTFEEDING WEEKS (UP TO 4 1/2 MONTHS) 13. If mother and baby are separated, breastmilk can be expressed and refridgerated / frozen for other caregivers to cup feed. 14. Occasionally, baby may refuse to nurse (nursing strike) any time between 3-8 months. This is not about weaning; be patient and find the cause for baby's discomfort. 15. Baby is more distractable. Breastfeed in quiet, darkened surroundings. Baby is not weaning. 16. Baby becomes more visually aware. May stop feeding and gaze at mother for long periods. Continue to nurse between pauses and gazes. 17. Teething can happen from 4-6 months. Baby may chew hand and become fretful. Offer baby something cool or hard to chew before breastfeeding. 18. Baby's regular sleep pattern may be interrupted if teething or illness occurs. Breastfeed to give baby comfort at these times. Ask for help with household tasks. © This work to be shared in its entirety, and credit given to the authors, Chris Blackman and Johanna Rzepa

BLUE: COMMUNICATING AND RESPONDING TO NEEDS BREASTFEEDING WEEKS (UP TO 6 MONTHS) 19. Baby may show interest in what others are eating. This is not a sign that baby is ready for solids. (They are interested in everything!) 20. It is normal for some babies to wake up during the night to breastfeed. Solid foods do not help baby to sleep longer. 21. Baby may be sensitive to sounds and tone of voice, and may react to raised voices by startling while breastfeeding. Keep surroundings quiet. 22. Exclusive breastfeeding up to the middle of the first year may help to prevent food sensitivities / allergies in baby. Breastmilk supplies 100% of nutritional needs up to 6 months or more. Introduce solids around 6 months or when baby shows readiness. 23. Some babies are not interested in starting solids until 8-9 months. This is fine if weight gain is steady. (This could be a natural protective factor for babies who may have food intolerances.) The weight gain for baby 4-6 months is about oz / week. 24. Give breastmilk first when feeding solids. Feeding guidelines for solids are available at your local health unit. © This work to be shared in its entirety, and credit given to the authors, Chris Blackman and Johanna Rzepa

PURPLE: INTUITIVELY APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE BREASTFEEDING MONTHS 7-12 (UP TO ONE YEAR) 7. Baby may show signs of separation anxiety, which shows a natural emotional bonding with mother. Baby may want to breastfeed more often; this gives baby comfort. Mother's milk supply will meet baby's demand. 8. Baby is often too busy to breastfeed. Nursing in a quiet darkened room and nighttime feedings are encouraged. Weight gain for baby 6-12 months is 1 1/2 - 3 oz / week. 9. Continue to breastfeed before offering solid foods until baby is 9-12 months. The amount of breastmilk decreases as solid foods are introduced. 10. Some older babies may bite at the breast mistakenly. If baby bites, pull close into breast. Be alert to when the feeding is finished or baby is dozing (startling from these relaxed states may result in accidental biting). Baby will soon learn not to bite, and weaning is not necessary. 11. Maintain milk supply if away from baby. Pump milk during separation from baby and nurse before leaving baby and upon return. 12. Exciting point of baby's growth. Other people may think it is time to wean, but baby still needs the immune properties of breastmilk. © This work to be shared in its entirety, and credit given to the authors, Chris Blackman and Johanna Rzepa

PINK: A SENSE OF KNOWING AND UNDERSTANDING BREASTFEEDING MONTHS (UP TO 2 YRS OR BEYOND) 14. Baby has gained 2 1/2 times the birth weight. Breastmilk continues to supply significant nutrition and immunities from 6 months or more. 16. By 2 years child is able to produce most of own secretory IGA (immune globulin / antibodies) that protect against viral, bacterial, and parasitic infection. 18. A toddler may be putting words together and may be assertive. Other adults may be surprised when the toddler asks to breastfeed. Discuss with toddler appropriate times and places for nursing. Communities need more breastfeeding education. 20. If parents are thinking about weaning, the experience can be a loving and gradual process. 22. A cranky child or one that has tantrums can be frustrating for both child and parents. Breastfeeding provides a child with on-going love, and the hormones of breastfeeding continue to help relax mother. 24. Nursing child to this age or beyond shows commitment to the breastfeeding continuum. Many potential or actual barriers were overcome while going with the flow! © This work to be shared in its entirety, and credit given to the authors, Chris Blackman and Johanna Rzepa