Breastfeeding consultant uses Skype to help new moms in remote areas

A Sudbury woman is using teleconferencing to help more women in the northeast to breastfeed.

A recent provincial report says more than 90 per cent of women try breastfeeding in hospital, but only about 60 per cent exclusively breastfeed once they bring their newborn home.

Stephanie Langille wants to change that. A lactation consultant in Sudbury who helps new moms who are having trouble nursing, Langille has begun offering teleconferencing sessions so women in more remote northern areas can access help if they want it.

"Because if they have nothing in their facilities, in their regions or their cities, and it's hard to get to, then perhaps they'll give up sooner," she said.

Public health nurses across the region are trained to help women with breastfeeding by phone or in person — but lactation specialists like Langille typically aren't available further north.

The reproductive and child health co-ordinator at the Porcupine health unit in Timmins said issues like soreness or having trouble getting a baby to latch on to the breast can sometimes be resolved with some supportive guidance.

"We still have a lot of mothers who stop breastfeeding early due to breastfeeding challenges," Nicole Ethier said.

Langille started her lactation consulting business in Sudbury because she saw that need. Using the Skype telecommunications app, she offers personal, face-to-face consultations.

"The ability to speak to me over the computer will really help moms to get that extra bit of information," she said.