It's wonderful that so many people have overcome significant difficulties to successfully breastfeed, but it would be so nice if new moms could start off right - at a hospital that is really baby friendly and breastfeeding friendly and laboring woman friendly too! The new mom I'm most concerned with right now is my daughter who is expecting a baby in April in Montreal. If she were here in California I'd know all about the local hospitals and doctors (and lactation consultants) but I know nothing about Montreal! Any suggestions? <img src="http://www.asklenore.com/ubbthreads/images/icons/confused.gif" alt="" />

Hello Samantha,

Welcome to the Ask Lenore website. This is your lucky day. Did you know that I have a clinic in Montreal? We're located within the Herzl Family Practice Centre of the Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital.

We accept breastfeeding mothers regardless of where they deliver and the service is free. If she delivers at the Jewish General she can call us at the breastfeeding clinic (514) 340-8253 Mon-Thurs 9 am - 5 pm. and we will arrange for a board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) to come to her aid.

I hope this puts your mind at ease.
Warmest regards,

That is good news! Can you also help us find the right place/person for childbirth? My problem is that I know just going by the "my friend went to him and liked him" method isn't really the way to go - there are so many things left unanswered. Do the hospitals up there offer tours? Are there the variations in practice that are common here from one place to another? I want my daughter to have the birth of HER choice, and she would prefer an unmedicated non-intervention birth if possible, with the option of medications, medical assistance if necessary. And, of course, things like no separation of mother and baby, immediate breastfeeding, no formula given, etc.

Hi Samantha,

I'll need a few more details but I'm concerned about preserving your daughter's confidentiality. Can you email me at lenore@asklenore.info so we can talk about this? I'll need to know her name, her due date, and some other information to give me an idea of who to recommend. We at the breastfeeding clinic are well acquainted with the breastfeeding friendly physicians in Montreal. Email me and we'll chat.

Fondly,