MILC Club members publish new research demonstrating the importance of lactation consultants in hospitals

A new study involving several MILC Club members links the 2018 discontinuation of the Lactation Consultant (LC) program at Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre (HSC) to lower breastfeeding rates and increased formula use across Manitoba. Researchers analyzed data from over 126,000 births (2014–2021) and found that First Nations and remote-living infants experienced the most significant declines in breastfeeding—up to three times greater than other groups. In contrast, infant feeding rates remained stable at St. Boniface General Hospital, where the LC program continued. The study underscores the critical role of LC support in promoting breastfeeding equity, especially among vulnerable populations.