You’ve made the decision to breastfeed. The Breastfeeding Matters Booklet provides quality information about breastfeeding your baby.
It is important to surround yourself with good support while you are learning. Ask for support from friends and family and reach out to community resources. Give yourself lots of time and patience. Contact us if you have questions or concerns. We can give you information and resources to support infant feeding at different ages and stages.
When to seek breastfeeding help
Contact us for help if you think something doesn’t seem right. Watch for these signs that you may need further breastfeeding help:
- Your baby is feeding less than 8 times in 24 hours
- Your baby has black stools after day 4
- Your baby has fewer than 3 stools and 6 wet diapers in 24 hours after day 4
- Your baby is unusually sleepy, fussy or restless
- Your nipples hurt
- Your breasts feel hard and painful
- You feel like you have the flu
We offer telephone and in-person support at both of our sites. Please call, or;
fill out our online breastfeeding referral form A Public Health Nurse will contact you as soon as possible during our business hours.
Breastfeeding resources in your community
You can get breastfeeding support from any of the resources listed below, or from your health care provider. You can also get support from other families that are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Other Community Support
- EarlyON Child and Family Centres -a spot to connect with other breastfeeding families.
- There may also be other breastfeeding supports in the community that are available for a fee.
Clinics and classes at Southwestern Public Health
- Know & Grow Clinics
- Breastfeeding classes -please note that breastfeeding classes are not offered after the baby is born. We encourage you to take this in your last trimester of pregnancy.
- Online prenatal classes
Telehealth Ontario
Access 24/7 breastfeeding support in over 100 languages over the phone:
- 1-866-797-0000
- 1-866-797-0007 (TTY)
La Leche League Peer Support Groups
Connect with local peer leaders and other breastfeeding families in the LLLC St. Thomas-Elgin Group or the LLLC Woodstock Group.
West Elgin Community Health Centre (WECHC)
WECHC provides free breastfeeding support for residents of West Elgin and Dutton Dunwich municipalities:
153 Main Street, West Lorne
519-768-1715