WECHU’s Healthy Families: Breastfeeding Support
WECHU’s Healthy Families: Breastfeeding Support
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit’s Healthy Families Department provides a multifaceted program to our community. Breastfeeding support, provided throughout the prenatal and postpartum periods, is part of this department. Our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) and Public Health Nurses (PHNs) provide group and one-on-one support to women and their families. Breastfeeding concerns that are often addressed include:
- Latching & positioning
- Sore, cracked nipples
- Engorgement
- Mastitis
- Thrush
- Oversupply
- Low milk supply.
Breastfeeding support is provided through different avenues including: online breastfeeding classes, our Healthy Families hotline, and one-on-one.
Online Breastfeeding Classes:
- Taught by an IBCLC.
- Offered to prenatal & postpartum individuals & families.
- Provided on a virtual platform twice a month.
- Topics include: importance of breastfeeding, breastfeeding basics, latching & positioning, common concerns, and community breastfeeding supports.
“Ask A Nurse” Healthy Families Hotline:
- Phone support available Monday-Friday from 8:30am until 4pm.
- PHNs answer questions and provides resources or connects callers with appropriate community resources.
One-On-One Breastfeeding Support:
- Provided by a Public Health Nurse (PHN) or an IBCLC. Support is available:
- Online
- Over the phone
The research is very clear – if women and their families are provided with breastfeeding information in the prenatal period; breastfeeding is more likely to be successful. Please refer prenatal women who are interested in breastfeeding to our breastfeeding class. Furthermore, if you encounter any postpartum women who would benefit from our breastfeeding services, please contact us. You can call 519-258-2146, ext 1350 or complete an online referral form: https://www.wechu.org/parents. We are here to help and look forward to collaborating with you!