Polina Lerman faced challenges with her diminishing milk supply while breastfeeding her baby. Despite trying various remedies, she found relief and increased milk production through the assistance of a lactation consultant at a public health clinic in Halifax. Unfortunately, the clinic is reducing its breastfeeding support services as the nurse practitioner offering the service is leaving without a replacement in line.
The clinic had been accommodating patients with referrals for one-on-one appointments with the breastfeeding expert, and also welcomed walk-ins, especially those without primary care providers, to a weekly drop-in session. The drop-in service, which saw increased popularity prompting extended hours, will cease in January.
While the health authority aims to reinstate a drop-in service, the specifics are yet to be finalized, as confirmed by Madonna MacDonald, Nova Scotia Health’s acting vice-president. Britney Benoit, an associate professor at St. Francis Xavier University, expressed concern over the limited access to breastfeeding support in the region, emphasizing the common need for such services.
Benoit highlighted the challenges of breastfeeding and the significant health benefits it offers both infants and parents. She noted that Nova Scotia falls behind the national average in breastfeeding rates within the first six months post-birth, as reported by the Public Health Agency of Canada in 2022.
Recent developments about the scaling back of services at the Halifax clinic have left parents like Mayela Lopez Rodrigues disheartened. Lopez shared her positive experience with the clinic’s lactation consultant, crediting the support for resolving her breastfeeding difficulties.
Nova Scotia Health Minister Michelle Thompson reacted to the news by seeking further information to understand the decision. Thompson stressed the critical importance of early childhood support and its impact on children’s development.