babies
WECHU’s Healthy Families: Lactation consultants and breastfeeding support
We are excited to announce that we have added a 3rd International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) to our Healthy Families Department! Our IBCLCs can provide virtual breastfeeding classes and individual support.
There are two options for our virtual breastfeeding support. The first is our prenatal breastfeeding class, which is 2 hours in length. This is offered monthly on Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. We encourage parenting partners to join in. During this class, clients will learn how to:
- Prepare to start breastfeeding.
- Identify when your baby is hungry and full.
- Latch your baby to your breast.
- Comfortably position your baby.
- Assess if your baby is getting enough breastmilk.
- Prevent and address breastfeeding concerns (e.g., engorgement, supply issues).
- Obtain local breastfeeding support.
If you encounter new parents who are breastfeeding, our second option for virtual breastfeeding support is just for them! Our “Breastfeeding Support” groups are new and were developed for parents with newborns. These groups are led by one of our IBCLCs and are provided in an open format with ample opportunity for questions and answers. Parents can get continued support and expert guidance in their current breastfeeding journey.
Breastfeeding is more likely to be successful if a mother receives support and education in both the prenatal and postpartum periods. In your practice, as you encounter prenatal or postpartum women, please encourage them to attend a virtual breastfeeding session. Registration is required for these programs. The schedule, which includes the day and time and how to register, for both sessions is available at www.wechu.org/parents. Clients can also call 519-2582146 ext. 1350 to register.
Our Public Health Nurses (PHNs) also provide individual breastfeeding support through our “Ask A Nurse” Healthy Families Hotline. Phone support is available Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. and is provided to parents throughout Windsor-Essex County.
If breastfeeding concerns are out of the scope of our PHNs, one of our IBCLCs will provide further support through:
- A phone call
- A virtual visit OR
- An in-home visit.
If you encounter any prenatal or postpartum women who would benefit from individualized breastfeeding support, 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!
WECHU: Building Blocks for Better Babies
Building Blocks for Better Babies (BBBB) is the local Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada. BBBB is a FREE weekly prenatal program taught by Registered Dietitians and Public Health Nurses.
BBBB offers:
- Answers to pregnancy questions;
- Breastfeeding support;
- Healthy eating;
- Care of mom and newborn; and,
- FREE vitamins & food vouchers for families who need them.
BBBB’s goal is to help moms who can relate to any of the following challenges which may affect their health or the health of their baby:
- Worry about having enough food;
- New to Canada in past 10 years;
- Struggle with anxiety/depression;
- Have not finished high school;
- Are a single parent; and/or,
- Are under 20 years of age.
Participants are welcome to join BBBB any time during their pregnancy and continue in the program until their baby is 5 months old.
BBBB can provide free prenatal vitamins throughout pregnancy and during breastfeeding. As well, for those families who need it, BBBB provides $10 weekly food vouchers to help make sure they have enough food to have a healthy pregnancy.
BBBB offers both in-person and virtual classes:
- Tuesday (Windsor In-person) 12:30-2:30pm @ Peace Lutheran Church
- Wednesdays (Leamington In-person) 10:00am-noon @ LakePoint Family Church
- Thursdays noon-1:00pm (followed by prenatal exercise) via Zoom
Call or text to register: 519-977-6862
www.buildingblocksforbetterbabies.com
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!
WECHU’s Healthy Families: Programs and services
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit offers programs for prenatal women, new parents, and parents of young children.
The Healthy Families department at the Health Unit offers multiple programs and services to local families from preconception until the child enters school. All programs are FREE to residents of Windsor-Essex County and can be accessed directly by clients or by community referral.
Lactation Consultation Services
Certified Lactation Consultants provide women with specialized, one-on-one support for breastfeeding challenges. Support is available via virtual meeting, over the phone, or in the client’s home.
18 month Developmental Follow-up
Registered Nurses review the results of the 18 month LookSee developmental screen with parents and provide practical recommendations for parents to help their child reach the associated milestones. Nurses link parents with other community resources, as needed.
Prenatal Breastfeeding Classes
Certified Lactation Consultants lead virtual classes twice a month. During these 2-hour classes, prenatal families receive instruction on how to: prepare to start breastfeeding; identify infant cues for hunger and satiety, assess the adequacy of breastmilk consumed, and prevent and address common breastfeeding challenges. Prenatal families will also receive education on different latching and positioning techniques.
Online Prenatal Education Program (Yomingo)
This online, self-led prenatal course is available for pregnant women and their partner/support persons. Yomingo includes videos, tools, and articles on various topics, including: healthy pregnancy, labour and delivery, breastfeeding, newborn care, and adjustment to parenthood. This course is mobile-friendly and available in multiple languages through Google translate. Yomingo provides parents with convenient information at their fingertips, including a directory of associated local services.
“Ask a Nurse”- Healthy Families Hotline Service
Registered Nurses are available to answer questions about preconception, prenatal, and child health. The most common inquires include questions about breastfeeding, infant feeding, parenting, and growth and development. Nurses connect callers with community services and educational resources, when needed. This service is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am until 4:00 pm at 519-258-2146 ext. 1350.
Nurse Practitioner Clinic
A Nurse Practitioner (NP) provides primary healthcare services and mental health support for prenatal and postnatal women and children up to six years old, who do not have a primary health care provider. An Ontario Health Card is not required to receive NP services. The clinics are located at both the Windsor and Leamington WECHU sites.
How to Refer
Complete the new online referral from at www.wechu.org/parents or call the Healthy Families Department 519-258-2146 ext. 1350.