Healthcare teamwork promotes successful breastfeeding

Slave Lake families enjoy local support, overcome challenges to give their babies a healthier start

Story by Lisa Laferriere

SLAVE LAKE — A community-based approach to breastfeeding support is making a big difference for local families in Slave Lake and surrounding areas.

Alex Coutts, a local mother, credits the combined support of the Alberta Health Services (AHS) Slave Lake Public Health Breastfeeding Clinic and Slave Lake Dental for helping her and her baby achieve a successful breastfeeding journey — one that would have been more difficult without their expertise.

“It’s hard to admit you’re struggling, but there are local resources available to help,” says Coutts. “My advice to new and expecting families is this: Don’t be afraid to ask for support, because it can make all the difference.”

Carter, her baby boy, was born last Dec. 5. On their second day home, they received a visit from the Well Baby Clinic with Slave Lake Public Health. Coutts shared her feelings and struggles with breastfeeding, pumping and feeling disconnected from her baby.

“I really wanted to breastfeed, and pumping felt emotionless to me. I just wasn’t connecting with Carter the way I wanted to,” she adds.

Public Health helped by lending Coutts an extra pump, which made a huge difference in helping her to keep up with feeding, cleaning and sanitizing bottles. They also connected her with Katherine Owen, a registered nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant with AHS Public Health in Slave Lake. Owen has been working with families in Slave Lake to overcome breastfeeding challenges since 2016.

After seeing Owen at the breastfeeding clinic, Coutts and Carter were referred to Slave Lake Dental, where a dental assessment revealed Carter had a 75-per-cent tongue and lip restriction.

The dental team performed the required procedure, and also provided Coutts with individual exercises to support Carter’s recovery at home. Coutts and Carter also continued to see Owen at the local breastfeeding clinic.

“Kate (Katherine) never gave up on us, and helped us every step of the way,” says Coutts.

Owen assisted with breastfeeding techniques, tongue-strengthening exercises, and guided Coutts through breastfeeding and bottle-feeding. Over the next few weeks, the family worked closely with Public Health to ensure continued progress.

“Carter latched for the first time on Christmas-eve,” Coutts says, with deep emotion in her voice. “It was the best Christmas gift ever.” Today, baby Carter is thriving, gaining weight and breastfeeding successfully.

“The support we’ve received has made life so much easier,” says Coutts. “And I’m really glad we were able to receive the support we needed here in Slave Lake, instead of having to travel during winter with a newborn.” The collaboration between Slave Lake Public Health and Slave Lake Dental demonstrates the importance of community-driven care.

“By providing a patient-centred, holistic approach, families can receive the support they need, close to home,” says Owen.

Public Health services in Slave Lake also provide follow-up care, including assessments and referrals. Through ongoing support and collaboration with local health professionals, Slave Lake Public Health aims to help all families achieve their feeding goals and build strong, healthy bonds with their babies.

Owen takes pride in the work she does to give parents the resources they need to achieve their feeding goals, no matter what path that may take.

“Our approach is always family-centred, with a focus on what’s best for each individual family. We work with families to understand their needs — and help them find the best way forward.”

If you need support feeding your baby, contact the Slave Lake Public Health Centre at 780-849-3947.