Overview
Health Canada recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and continued breastfeeding for up to two years and beyond. Breastmilk is the ideal food for newborns and infants. It is safe; it gives babies the nutrients they need for healthy development and contains antibodies that help protect infants from common childhood illnesses.
A public health nurse certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultants provides one-on-one information and support at a confidential clinic appointment. To make a referral, please call our Child & Babytalk Phone Line.
KFL&A Public Health is moving forward to become a baby-friendly designated agency. Baby-Friendly designation is an important organizational achievement; it reflects a supportive breastfeeding culture across the continuum of services, and it encourages the promotion and sharing of evidence-based information. For more information, visit the general
Baby-Friendly Initiative page or call the Child & Babytalk Phone Line.
Programs and Services
These drop-ins across the KFL&A area offer parents a chance to meet with a public health nurse and receive resources and support. Click on the Calendar link at the top of the page for the dates and locations of Babytalk Drop-ins around the KFL&A area.
Trained volunteers provide timely telephone support, evidence-based information and links to valuable community resources to moms who wish to breastfeed.
A public health nurse certified by the International Board of Certified Lacation Consultants provides one-on-one information and support at a confidential clinic appointment. To make an appoinment please call our Child & Babytalk Phone Line.
A public health nurse is available Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except on statutory holidays) to answer questions on prenatal, infant and child care, includes preconceptional health, healthy pregnancies, postpartum mood disorders, breastfeeding, child growth and development, parenting, nutrition, and child safety. The public health nurse can link callers to different community services. Referrals can be made to a number of programs, including Healthy Babies, Healthy Children, Breastfeeding Buddies, and Take Control Baby Steps.
This program is for pregnant women and families with children from birth to age 6. The program provides information and support to help give children the best start in life by connecting parents with services and resources in the community. New mothers are contacted following discharge from hospital and offered information and support by a public health nurse, either by telephone or during a home visit.
Prenatal breastfeeding classes are free of charge and are scheduled regularly throughout the year. The two hour evening class is taught by a lactation consultant and offers information about the benefits of breastfeeding, latching and positioning, infant feeding cues, how to know baby is feeding well, common challenges, and community supports. Partners are encouraged to attend as they will learn many ways to provide support to the breastfeeding mom and baby. For more information or to register for a breastfeeding class, please call 613-549-1232 ext 1567.