CIUSSS West-Central Montreal

Breastfeeding

Benefits of breastfeeding

Each woman produces breast milk that is unique to her baby, and which adapts to the child’s needs throughout its growth. Breast milk is the best food for your baby. It contains not only antibodies, but also growth factors and enzymes. Breast milk contains living cells such as white globulins and stem cells, that help the immune system and in repairing tissue.

For a newborn, breast milk has enormous benefits such as reducing respiratory infections, otitis and gastro-enteritis, as well as reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. On top of this, break milk has a protective effect for inflammatory conditions such as eczema.

Do you know that breastfeeding also has benefits for the mother? Certain breastfeeding properties have a protective effect, by reducing the risk of postpartum bleeding and of developing breast and ovarian cancers.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Breastfeeding has many health benefits for both the mother and infant. Breast milk contains all the nutrients an infant needs in the first six months of life. Breastfeeding protects against diarrhoea and common childhood illnesses such as pneumonia, and may also have longer-term health benefits for the mother and child, such as reducing the risk of overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence.

Exclusive breastfeeding means that the infant receives only breast milk. No other liquids or solids are given – not even water – with the exception of oral rehydration solution, or drops/syrups of vitamins, minerals or medicines.”
Source: https://www.who.int/elena/titles/exclusive_breastfeeding/en/

Baby-Friendly Initiative

The Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI) is a strategy for continuous improvement of the quality of the care and services.

The CLSC de Parc-Extension, CLSC de Côte-des-Neiges, CLSC Métro and the Outremont Point of Service are Baby-Friendly Initiative certified sites. In a BFI site, all mothers and babies can take advantage of this policy regardless if they are breastfeeding or not. The pregnant woman, or the new mother, receives the necessary information to help her make an informed decision on how to feed her baby. Staff members have been trained to support the mother.

New parents have access to healthcare professionals who can provide them with information and answer their questions on breastfeeding, child development, feeding, newborn care, perinatal mental health, your relationship after the baby arrives, etc. Many of these take place as activities allowing for an opportunity to speak to other parents, which is well appreciated.

For more information on the Baby-Friendly Initiative (in French only): https://www.msss.gouv.qc.ca/professionnels/perinatalite/amis-des-bebes/

Breastfeeding policy

CIUSSS West-Central Montreal has implemented a breastfeeding policy to promote maternal and infant health, by adopting practices that protect, promote and support breastfeeding.

The policy is addressed to all employees, physicians, mid-wives, interns, volunteers and consultants working in CIUSSS West-Central Montreal sites. It applies to all future and current parents and their babies, employees, and users who receive services from the CIUSSS or who visit one of our sites.

Drop-in breastfeeding groups

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, group activities in our CLSCs have been suspended for an indefinite period.

Virtual weekly drop-in breastfeeding groups are available to future mothers, mothers, and their immediate family, during which you can ask healthcare professionals any questions on breastfeeding. The groups are also an opportunity to meet other parents and share experiences.

To register, please contact your CLSC.

Site	Schedule*	Registration/Information	Meeting link
CLSC de Benny Farm	Every Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. to noon	514-484-7878 ext. 63550	Click here
CLSC de Côte-des-Neiges	Every Thursday from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.	514-731-8531 ext. 2439	Click here
CLSC Métro	Every Wednesday from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.	514-273-9591 ext. 6354	Click here

* The drop-in breastfeeding groups do not take place on statutory holidays

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Breastfeeding clinics

CLSC Côte-des-Neiges Breastfeeding Clinic

The CLSC du Côte-des-Neiges offers the services of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants for mothers with specific breastfeeding problems, or who anticipate having a problem. In some cases, medical assistance is available thanks to a partnership with family medicine physicians.

We are here to support you, and to help you achieve your breastfeeding goals!

By referral from a health professional only. Referrals can be faxed to 514-731-4012.

Priority will be given to users living in CIUSSS West-Central Montreal's territory and patients of the Village Santé Family Medicine Group.

For more information: 514-731-8531 ext. 2439

Herzl-Goldfarb Breastfeeding Clinic

The Herzl-Goldfarb Breastfeeding Clinic is an inter-disciplinary referral centre for mothers and babies who are experiencing breastfeeding difficulties. International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants work alongside family physicians trained in lactation to manage complex breastfeeding cases referred by healthcare professionals from Montreal and surrounding areas.

The Herzl-Goldfarb Breastfeeding Clinic provides breastfeeding families with lactation services based on excellence of care and current research, educates professionals in lactation management, and contributes to the field of breastfeeding research, all within an inter-disciplinary setting.

By referral from a health professional only.

For more information:
514-340-8222 ext. 23269
Email: bf.clinic.ccomtl@ssss.gouv.qc.ca