Breastfeeding support while in the hospital

During your hospital stay in the Birth Unit and Mother/Baby Unit, breastfeeding support will be provided by Nurses who are well educated about the principles and best practices for breastfeeding. A Nurse will help you with your first breastfeeding attempt immediately after delivery, when possible and throughout your time in the Childbirth Program.

If you or your baby is experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding while in the hospital, we can offer you the support and teaching provided by a International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Lactation Consultants are Nurses with extensive education and experience with breastfeeding. We are committed to providing you with the support you need to have a healthy and happy baby.

Breast pump resources

If you require the use of a breast pump during your stay at the hospital, the Queensway Carleton Childbirth Program provides access to single patient use, double breast pump kits for Medela pumps only.

Each kit is available at a cost of $45/kit. This kit is compatible with our double electric hospital grade breast pumps, as well as the hospital grade pumps that are available for rental in the community. This kit is purchased by you and you are able to take it home with you.

Find out more about the QCH Breast Pump Program

If you are not breastfeeding your baby

If you choose not to breastfeed your baby, your healthcare provider and Nurses will respect your decision and support you. For some women, breastfeeding is not an option. In some cases your healthcare provider may suggest giving your baby formula for medical reasons if they need the extra calories and nutrients.