Breastfeeding clinic celebrates new location and neighbourly collaboration

Now that staff at the Herzl-Goldfarb Breastfeeding Clinic have cut the red ribbon for their new premises, they’ll soon be strengthening their natural connection with the nearby Post-Partum Unit.

“We hope our new location will allow for improved collaboration,” Dr. Meira Stern, Medical Co-Director of the clinic, told two dozen guests on February 8 at a wine-and-cheese party to celebrate the inauguration of the freshly renovated space. “That way, we can provide the best support possible to all new breastfeeding families.”

Originally based at the Goldman Herzl Family Practice Centre, the clinic is now on the fifth floor of Pavilion B.

Dr. Anjana Srinivasan, Medical Co-Director of the clinic, added that the team hopes to help the Post-Partum Unit in various ways, including training staff in breastfeeding techniques, and assisting new mothers with breastfeeding. The two groups will meet over the next few months to develop a plan for collaboration.

Staff of the Herzl-Goldfarb Breastfeeding Clinic (from left): Dr. Meira Stern, Medical Co-Director; Karene Valladeau, Lactation Consultant; Lydia Marcus, Senior Lactation Consultant; Triantafylli (Rose) Panagopoulos, Clinic Coordinator; and Dr. Anjana Srinivasan, Medical Co-Director.

The closeness to the Post-Partum Unit is already coming in handy, says Lydia Marcus, the clinic’s Senior Lactation Consultant. “Their team is calling on us more readily and coming to ask more questions,” she explained. “I think that in the long term, it’s going to have a big impact being this close to them.”

The new space features a spacious waiting area, and soft, natural light flows into the rooms through large windows. The four exam rooms have brand-new beds, and in one room, a three-seat sofa is roomy enough for a mother and her twins to sit comfortably.

Along with the new furniture is the addition of a staff room, where the team can confer or take a moment to unwind.

“Before, we had to discuss cases in the hallways or go into a closet,” Dr. Srinivasan said with a laugh. “It helps to have this designated space.”

Established in 2002, the clinic sees patients with complex breastfeeding problems, who have been referred by other healthcare professionals. Its staff consists of seven physicians and three internationally board-certified lactation consultants.

“We’re so lucky to do the work that we do,” said Dr. Stern. “We get to help moms and their babies. It just brings a smile to your face every day.”

“Ultimately, the best place for a breastfeeding clinic is near the Post-Partum Unit,” said Lenore Goldfarb, a clinic donor and Lactation Consultant Researcher at the clinic. “It’s wonderful for the mothers, terrific for us, and we’re very grateful to the hospital for providing us with this space.”