Breastfeeding Services

The Barrie and Community Family Health Team (BCFHT) recognizes breastfeeding 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.

Breastfeeding 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 breastfeeding goals.

Breastfeeding Benefits

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

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

Breastfeeding services at the BCFHT began in October 2010 in response to a need for additional local breastfeeding services and are available to ALL residents in our community.

Breastfeeding 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 breastfeeding 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.

Breastfeeding Services Overview

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

• Offer breastfeeding 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.

Note: The information above is relevant to both chestfeeding and breastfeeding.

Appointment Information

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

Call 705 721-0370 x4 to book an appointment. Individual breastfeeding 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 breastfeeding well.
• Teaching you strategies to protect/promote your milk production.
• Creating a personalized plan to manage your breastfeeding challenges.
• Breastfeeding 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).

Prenatal Breastfeeding Sessions

To learn more about the classes, please visit https://barriefht.ca/prenatalbreastfeeding. To register, select your preferred date below.