Public Health Breastfeeding Clinics

Public Health offers non-judgmental and confidential services. Our clinic appreciates the diversity of human beings and does not discriminate based on race, age, religion, ability, marital status, sexual orientation, sex or gender identity. We provide feeding support to all families; those that are breastfeeding, chest feeding, body feeding, providing human milk, and providing artificial baby milk (formula).

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Please note: Internet Explorer (IE) does not work with the online booking platform. The preferred browsers for the online booking system are Chrome and Edge. For iPhone, please use Safari.

Public Health Breastfeeding Clinics are run by trained Public Health Nurses. The service is FREE and offers one-to-one infant feeding assessments, advice, support and referrals to other community services, as needed.

Call 519-575-4400 to speak to a representative.

Benefits of registering for an online account

You can book your appointment online as a guest without registering and creating an account in Pomelo. However, we do encourage you to register and create an account if you would like to be able to access the following benefits:

  • Manage your appointments online (including cancelling or changing the date and time of your appointment)
  • Receive reminder emails before upcoming appointments
  • Receive information, resources and personalized care plans from your appointment
  • Use your profile for other Region of Waterloo Public Health services available on Pomelo

Our online booking portal is managed by Pomelo, a new, integrated platform used by several Region of Waterloo Public Health services, to provide better and more seamless care.

Clinic locations and times

Appointments are currently available in person, virtually or by telephone:
Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

In-person appointments are available at:

Virtual or telephone appointments can be booked at either location. Please check both calendars for availability.

Please note: Internet Explorer (IE) does not work with the online booking platform. The preferred browsers for the online booking system are Chrome and Edge. 

Book Your Appointment Online
What can I expect at a Public Health Breastfeeding Clinic

Our trained nurses are here to help you

Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Clinic Public Health Nurses are specially trained to coach and support you to reach your infant feeding goals with a variety of feeding techniques. Every mother and baby have unique needs, and we are here to help you find an infant feeding method that is right for you.

Appointments are 30 minutes long, and you can return as often as you need to. There is no cut off age for support.

What will happen during a clinic appointment? 

  • The nurse will talk to you about your infant feeding history, goals, any challenges or concerns you may be experiencing and how you have been managing. 
  • The nurse will ask about your health history, as well as your baby’s, to help inform your infant feeding plan. 
  • You will be offered the option to have your baby weighed (if in person). 
  • You will be encouraged to breastfeed/chestfeed with the nurse observing to guide you to find positions and to give you tips that may work best for both you and your baby.
  • If breastfeeding aids help you to feed successfully, the nurse will provide you with suggestions and, if possible, with a sample to get you started.
  • At your appointment the nurse can address other questions you might have, such as:
    • how to engage your partner or other supports to help you to breastfeed
    • how to know if your baby is getting enough breastmilk, and what you can do if you have concerns
    • what cues to watch for to know if your baby is hungry or full
    • how and when pumping may work for you
    • what to plan for if you wish to return to work while continuing to breastfeed
    • any other infant feeding and attachment questions you may have
  • At the end of the appointment, the nurse can provide you with a plan to maximize your infant feeding goals and can schedule another appointment if necessary.
  • Our nurses can also make a referral for you to supports from other health care providers if that should be helpful. 
Early breastfeeding support 

Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding has many benefits for both mother and baby. Even though breastfeeding/chestfeeding is natural, it doesn’t always happen naturally. Breastfeeding/chestfeeding takes time, practice, and support. Our trained Public Health Nurses can help you find success in your infant's feeding journey. 

All families are encouraged to receive breastfeeding/chestfeeding support from a health care provider within 48 hours of discharge from the hospital, even if there are no concerns. This service is available to all families with infants of any age.
Other breastfeeding supports

Check the Breastfeeding Support in Waterloo Region list of services for more information on breastfeeding/chestfeeding community supports. 

For more information on breastfeeding/chestfeeding including common troubleshooting tips, techniques and videos, please visit our Breastfeeding page. 

For a free online interactive program to help you understand breastfeeding and your newborn, visit our Online Prenatal Program page. 

 

 

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