If you need assistance with breastfeeding or a list of support services nearest you, contact your local community health/public health nurse. If there is no community health/public health nurse in your community, contact your local health clinic. Try these links for breastfeeding support services, programs and contact information for:
Eastern Health
Western Health
Labrador-Grenfell Health
For immediate medical attention contact your local health centre/emergency department. If you need immediate help 24/7, you can also call the Newfoundland and Labrador HealthLine: 1-888-709-2929
If you have a breastfeeding concern or question that doesn’t require urgent medical care, you can also contact the La Leche League leaders in St. John’s. This does involve long distance charges from some of the island, but these moms are trained to offer support and available most hours – including evenings and weekends. For Mom-to-Mom support from a La Leche League leader, call:
Jan at home: (709) 739-9368
or email lllc.janbt2 AT gmail.com
Jane at home: (709) 722-5815 or email
lllc.jane AT gmail.com
Lactation Consultants are also available in some hospital and community health settings. An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) identifies a specialist in lactation management. IBCLCs possess the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to provide quality breastfeeding support and management to mothers and babies with lactation-related problems.
Breastfeeding Support Groups are available in many communities. Breastfeeding Support Groups led by a registered nurse and/or lactation consultant are offered in community health settings and some hospitals. Scheduled drop-in support groups provide opportunities for mothers to meet other breastfeeding mothers and share tips, learn about baby’s growth, and discuss breastfeeding issues. No appointment is necessary and fathers or other support persons are also welcome. These groups usually meet in the afternoon. There is opportunity for one-on-one counselling and support from a registered nurse or lactation consultant.
Check out Dr Jack Newman’s website for help with specific problems relating to breastfeeding. Breastfeeding DVD clips are also available. http://www.drjacknewman.com/
La Leche League Canada offers information about mother-to-mother support groups and La Leche league leaders in Canada. In St. John’s La Leche League meetings are held the second Monday of every month at 7pm in the Sobey’s Store Community Room on Torbay Road and Highland Drive. For more information contact Jan Beattie @ 739-9368 or Jane Bannister @ 722-5815
La Leche League International offers a great website for parents with links to breastfeeding information on a variety of topics.
The Janeway Pediatric Telephone Advice Line: (709) 722-1126 Toll Free: 1-866-722-1126
If you need help with specific breastfeeding concerns refer to The Breastfeeding Handbook.
Are your breasts overfull?
Read pp. 24 and 52-54
What can I do about sore nipples?
Read pp 54-56
Check out Dr. Jack Newman’s handout on sore nipples.
How can I tell if my baby is getting enough breastmilk?
Read pp. 28-29
Check out Dr. Jack Newman’s handout on this topic.
My baby is refusing to latch, help?
Read p.22
Check out Dr. Jack Newman’s handout on this topic.
How can I get off to a good start with breastfeeding?
Read pp.9-13
Check out Dr. Jack Newman’s handout on establishing breastfeeding and the importance of skin-to-skin contact
Check out the new breastfeeding awareness campaign to encourage more public acceptance and support for breastfeeding in Newfoundland and Labrador. Read More...
