West Island CLSCs receive BFI accreditation

By Kevin Woodhouse, October 10th, 2012

Normally, when a press conference is held, crying babies are a distraction whereas at last Tuesday morning's event at the Pierrefonds CLSC, babies were the main guests of honour when the West Island Health and Social Services Centre received accreditation for its baby friendly services offered by the two West Island CLSCs, Lac St. Louis ad Pierrefonds, as well as the Birthing Centre with a ceremony to honour the certification which happened to take place during World Breastfeeding Week.
The recognition for the institutions BFI (Baby-Friendly Initiative) stems from a worldwide initiative recognized by UNICEF to encourage mothers to breast feed their newborns.  The Canadian Cancer Institute also recommends breast feeding for the improved health of both mother and child.
Diane Lemieux, chief of pre-natal and child care for the CLSCs, spoke to the assembled about some of the services offered to expectant and new moms that include a post-natal home visit for every one of the two thousand yearly births in the West Island.  On average, 400 first time parents  take pre-natal courses as well as support for new parents every Tuesday afternoon where parents can seek the professional advice from nurses and nutritionists.
Andrea Connors, along with her precious daughter Eva, gave a testimonial about the pre and post natal services offered at the three institutions as being first rate, especially the workshops because "having moms and babies in one room asking questions worked very well."
Connors felt nervous one day after recently leaving the hospital with newborn Eva and after making a call to the CLSC, " I got a home visit on Saturday which I thought was unreal.  The staff always listens to my long list of questions and never made me feel like any question was too small.  Hearing a professional say 'that's normal' was music to my ears as a first time mom.  It was more calming than a glass of wine," said Connors.
She also praised the programs and services offered as a big help because she has no immediate family living in nearby and the CLSCs have been a vital resource.
To find out more about the community birthing centre located at the Lac St. Louis CLSC, 180 Cartier Avenue, call
514-697-1199.n