Edmonton Breastfeeding Clinic
The Edmonton Breastfeeding Clinic provides care for mothers and babies with breastfeeding problems. The clinic is a teaching centre, and we support, protect, and promote breastfeeding for patients and the greater community.
Patient Care
The Edmonton Breastfeeding Clinic was established in 1993 and has since cared for over 12,000 mothers and their babies. The clinic provides effective and evidence-based care for mothers and babies who are having breastfeeding problems such as:
- Babies with latching and sucking problems
- Babies with poor weight gain
- Premature babies
- Mothers and/or babies with special needs
- Maternal nipple and/or breast pain
- Milk supply concerns
- Maternal medication use while breastfeeding
Mother and babies are seen both by a nurse-lactation consultant and a physician at each visit. At the first appointment, we:
- Conduct a complete assessment of any breastfeeding concerns
- Examine mother and baby
- Review normal baby feeding and behaviour patterns
- Recommend treatment
- Provide handouts for review at home
- Send a letter to attending physicians and local health units to ensure continuity of care
Follow up appointments are made as required.
Professional Education and Teaching
We teach medical students from the University of Alberta, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The clinic also hosts other learners including residents, student nurses, and graduate nurses who work with breastfeeding families. To-date, the clinic has hosted 1,400 learners.
Advocacy
We serve on various committees at the local and national level and write and speak publicly on matters relating to breastfeeding. Most recently, we established the Edmonton Breastfeeding Network. This group is designed to facilitate the sharing of information among healthcare professionals and breastfeeding advocates in the Edmonton area.
Contact
2nd Floor Mother Rosalie Building
Misericordia Community Hospital
16930 – 87 Avenue NW
Edmonton, Alberta
T5R 4H5
Phone 780.735.2577 or 780.735.2731
Hours
Monday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Tuesday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
We are closed Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays and do not provide after hours care.
Eligibility
Breastfeeding mothers and babies. Professional referral required, which can be by way of a letter or a telephone call from a physician, registered midwife, or nurse practitioner.
Fees & Waiting Period
No fee with valid Alberta Health Care Insurance. Appointment waiting time varies depending on demand but is generally within one week. Emergency appointments are occasionally available.