Before Giving Birth
Prenatal breastfeeding classes are offered to expectant parents, and other support people. The classes are led by lactation consultants, who teach about:
- What to expect in the first few days after your baby is born
- The benefits of breastfeeding
- How to breastfeed and be confident in your ability
- What is a good latch
- How often to breastfeed and how to know if baby is getting enough
- Breastfeeding myths and facts, common challenges and solutions
- Hand expressing, breast pump options, and how best to safely store expressed breast milk
- Breastfeeding supports available at Scarborough Health Network and within the community
One-hour sessions are offered twice a month from 2 – 3 p.m. on weekends. No registration is required.
For more information call 416-284-8131 ext. 4530
Classes are held every fourth Wednesday of the month from 1 – 2:30 p.m. in the Global Community Resource Centre, ground floor. Registration is not required.
For more information call 416-438-2911 ext. 3222
While in the Hospital
Breastfeeding support during your hospital stay is provided by skilled nurses. Patients receive teaching and breastfeeding assistance at the bedside.
After Going Home
Our Breastfeeding Clinics provides support to all women who have questions about or issues with breastfeeding.
Toronto Public Health registered nurses work together in collaboration with hospital nurses who have breastfeeding expertise to support families with breastfeeding in the clinic. New parents are encouraged to use the clinic as long as needed and are welcome to visit the clinic during pregnancy for advance planning and care.
In addition, expectant and new parents can also download our free Best Feeding app. With Best Feeding, you can:
- Time and log breastfeeding sessions.
- Track breast pumping sessions.
- Log baby’s wet and soiled diapers.
- Search for breastfeeding clinics.
- Find reliable health information for moms and babies.
Best Feeding is available to download for free to Android devices in the Google Play Store, and for Apple devices in the App Store.
Centenary hospital
2867 Ellesmere Rd. – Main Floor
416-284-8131 ext. 4530.
Monday to Friday – 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call for appointment.
Saturday and Sunday – SHN clients only. Call for appointment.
Last patient registration is at 3:15 p.m.
General hospital
3050 Lawrence Ave. E. – 2nd Floor, 2 East (green elevator)
416-438-2911, ext. 3222
Monday to Friday – 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Call for appointment.
Last patient registration is at 3:15 p.m.
While in the hospital, we encourage patients look through their teaching packages and review information regarding community resources prior to discharge. Community resources are also posted in each patient’s room.
La Leche League Canada
Free telephone counselling and drop-in group (daytime & evening) provided by trained volunteer leaders.
www.lllc.ca
Ontario Early Years Center
Free resources and learning programs for Parents and their child from birth to six years.
www.ontarioearlyyears.ca
Toronto Health Connections
Get support by speaking with a public health nurse.
416-338-7600
Monday –Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Toronto Public Health
Further support for breastfeeding is also available at several locations across Toronto.
www.toronto.ca/health/breastfeeding/free_services.html
Breastfeeding App
As well, expectant and new mothers can download SHN’s BestFeeding app. With BestFeeding, you can:
- Time and log breastfeeding sessions.
- Track breast pumping sessions.
- Log baby’s wet and soiled diapers.
- Search for breastfeeding clinics.
- Find reliable health information for moms and babies.
BestFeeding is available to download for free