Breastfeeding is a learned skill and takes time, practice, and support. It's not always easy. There are people who can help you:
- Your partner, family, and friends
- Doula, primary care provider (doctor, nurse practitioner, or midwife), and the staff at the hospital (maternity or NICU)
- Primary care nurses, lactation consultants, community programs, and peer-to-peer support persons
If you need extra help with breastfeeding, there are professional supports and community programs available for you. Explore the sections below to find the best option for your family.
Professional supports
Primary and community care interprofessional teams
- Basic breastfeeding support from primary care nurses
- Find a health unit or medical clinic close to you
- Learn more about primary and community care
Lactation services
- Specialized breastfeeding support from a lactation consultant (based in Prince George)
- In-person, telephone, and/or email support for clients across Northern Health
- Phone: 250-565-2327
Email: Breastfeeding@northernhealth.ca
Hours: Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm
HealthLink BC
- Basic breastfeeding support from registered nurses
- Call 8-1-1 (or 1-604-215-8110) to reach a nurse, dietitian, pharmacist, or exercise professional
- Learn more about HealthLink BC
Lactation consultants
Active lactation consultants (LCs) in Northern BC
| Location | Details | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Fort St. John |
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| Prince George |
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| Smithers |
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| Terrace |
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If you are aware of other lactation consultants, or if any of the information is incorrect, please contact Breastfeeding@northernhealth.ca
Additional local and virtual supports
Some local and virtual supports are listed in the other tabs on this page. There may be a variety of other supports in Northern BC communities, such as those listed below. If you are aware of other local supports that should be listed here, or if any of the information shown is incorrect, contact us at Breastfeeding@northernhealth.ca.
Local breastfeeding resources
- Prince George breastfeeding resources (PDF) - Northern Health
- Quesnel Breastfeeding Café hosted by Quesnel and District Child Development Centre
La Leche League Canada (LLLC)
- Mother-to-mother/parent-to-parent peer support from volunteer leaders for pregnant people, new parents, and beyond
- LLLC leaders and groups are located in Haida Gwaii and Terrace
- Join virtual meetings hosted by leaders across Canada: Virtual Meetings Calendar
- Call the National phone line at 1-800-665-4324
- Join the Facebook breastfeeding support group – La Leche League International (LLLI)
Pregnancy outreach programs
- Basic breastfeeding support from pregnancy outreach workers
- Find a pregnancy outreach program close to you
- Check out The Pregnancy HUB - Program schedule for the 6 week virtual lactation café (drop-in)
Featured resources
- Breastfeeding info A to Z – La Leche League International
- Breastfeeding matters: An important guide for breastfeeding families (PDF) – Best Start by Health Nexus
- Breastfeeding your baby (PDF) – Baby’s best chance, Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA)
- The role of the partner in breastfeeding – La Leche League International
Featured NH Stories
- Celebrating the important roles of dads in families with new babies
- Supporting each other: Mother-to-mother support for breastfeeding
- Sustaining breastfeeding together: Parents can do it, you can help
- Working hard to support breastfeeding among families
For more information
- Email us at Breastfeeding@northernhealth.ca
- Reach out to Northern Health for help with breastfeeding if you have any questions or concerns
- Contact the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) Maternal and Child Health Program for breastfeeding supports in local First Nations communities
- Call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 (or 1-604-215-8110) to reach a nurse, dietitian, pharmacist, or exercise professional
- Connect with a La Leche League leader for mother-to-mother/parent-to-parent peer support