Breast/Chestfeeding

Breast/Chestfeeding Services

The Barrie and Community Family Health Team (BCFHT) recognizes breast/chestfeeding as one of the most effective ways to promote good health and prevent illness or chronic disease of children worldwide. It is an integral part of the reproductive process, with important implications for both the parent and infant (WHO, 2018).

“Breastfeeding is recognized as the unequalled way to provide optimal nutritional, immunological and emotional nurturing of infants.” Health Canada, 2021.

Breast/chestfeeding has to be learned and many parents encounter difficulties at the beginning. The BCFHT is committed to providing family-centered support as recommended by Health Canada (2021) for parents working towards their breast/chestfeeding goals.

Breast/Chestfeeding Benefits

A substantial amount of research has led to the recognition of the enormous short-term and long-term health benefits breast/chestfeeding provides for both parent and baby. Some of these benefits include:

For the baby:

  • Contains exact nutritional requirements suited for the baby’s needs
  • Protection against infections, such as colds, ear infections, gastroenteritis, etc. (as it contains antibodies transferred from the mother)
  • Reduced risk of allergic conditions, such as asthma and eczema
  • Reduced risk of serious chronic illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity
  • Reduced risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
  • Improved Cognitive Ability (breast milk has long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are essential for helping the baby’s brain develop)

For the Parent:

  • Helps prevent post-partum hemorrhage.
  • Aids weight loss post-partum.
  • Reduces risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer (long-term).
  • Decreases chances of osteoporosis (long-term).
  • Promotes bonding and attachment between parent and baby.
  • Potential cost savings to the family.
  • No washing, sterilizing, or preparation required.
  • Reduces carbon footprint and no waste for the environment.

Who We Are

Breast/chestfeeding services at the BCFHT began in October 2010 in response to a need for additional local breast/chestfeeding services and are available to ALL childbearing families in our community.

Breast/chestfeeding support is provided by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). A Lactation Consultant is a knowledgeable and experienced member of the health care team who has specialized skills in breast/chestfeeding management and care. Lactation Consultants must pass a rigorous examination process that demonstrates their ability to provide competent, comprehensive care. Lactation Consultants are expected to continue their professional development and recertify every 5 years.

Breast/chestfeeding Services Overview

The BCFHT Lactation Consultant will strive to promote, protect and support breast/chestfeeding in our community in the following ways:

  • Offer breastf/chesteeding support (individual in-person appointments) to ALL childbearing families in our community.
  • Collaborate with other BCFHT Team Members, including BCFHT Family Practice Office Staff, as needed.
  • Link with community partners, as appropriate.

Appointment Information

The breast/chestfeeding service provided by the Lactation Consultant will assist you to reach your breast/chestfeeding goals, whatever they are. Breast/chestfeeding plans are personalized for each parent and baby. Parents are encouraged to book an appointment early, especially if experiencing problems.

Please call 705 721-0370 x4 to book an appointment. Individual breast/chestfeeding appointments with a Lactation Consultant are available Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 3:00 pm at the Prenatal Well Baby Clinic, located at 370 Bayview Drive, 3rd Floor.

Some things that may be reviewed during individual in-person appointments with the Lactation Consultant include:

  • Helping you understand and ensure your baby is breastf/chesteeding well.
  • Teaching you strategies to protect/promote your milk production.
  • Creating a personalized plan to manage your breast/chestfeeding challenges.
  • Breast/chestfeeding will be observed during your visit, so please come prepared for this.
  • If supplements are a regular part of your baby’s feeding plan, please bring your expressed breastmilk or formula.

If you have urgent breastfeeding concerns and cannot make an appointment, call Health811 at 1-866-797-0007 (24 hour access)

 

Hospital-Grade Breast Pump Rentals Available At:

  1.  Primary Care Guardian Pharmacy | 370 Bayview Drive. Barrie | 705 735-4500
  2.  Procare Pharmacy  | 125 Bell Farm Road, Barrie |  705 722-7474
  3.  Shoppers Home Health Care  | 524 Bayfield Street N, Barrie |  705 722-6336
  4.  Independent Seller/Renter for Medela – Pam Peca, IBCLC | 705 734-4544

Patient Resources

For clients unable to access the clinic, the following websites with information and videos may be helpful:

 

Information about compatibility of a medication with breast/chestfeeding:

 

Breast/chestfeeding Safely during COVID-19:

 

Local resources:

  

Additional information:

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