Victoria Kadey considered herself an expert at breastfeeding, having nursed her first son until he was a toddler. So when her second son was born, she had every intention of doing the same thing. But her plan was cut short after the gut-wrenching discovery of a hard lump in one breast. After weeks of testing and back and forth, her worst fear was realized: it was breast cancer. Not only was the news an emotional bomb for Victoria, but she had no idea what this meant for her youngest son. He was attachment parented and nursed on demand, so in addition to the physical aspects of nutrition, their whole relationship was based on nursing.
Fortunately, Victoria was able to get the information and guidance she needed at Sunnybrook’s Breastfeeding Clinic. The Clinic is only for women who are Sunnybrook patients, and provides breastfeeding counseling, education and care plans. While patients are provided breastfeeding support from specially trained nurses, some may need additional assistance after they go home. That was especially true for Victoria, who found herself in the difficult situation of dealing with both a cancer diagnosis and its effect on her youngest son.
Being the largest breastfeeding centre in Ontario, and staffed with nurses, nurse practitioners and lactation consultants, the Clinic is a very busy place, seeing about 3,500 patients every year. Lactation Consultant Beth Nolson says, it’s all about helping women reach their goals. “We know that support is huge in terms of maintaining a woman’s desire to breastfeed long-term. If they hit a challenge and don’t have the support, their chances of stopping earlier than they had planned are greater.” Nolson says, the Clinic also helps women like Victoria, searching for the best approach in more unusual circumstances. It’s all about considering the needs of both mother and baby.
To this day, after undergoing a year of difficult cancer treatment, Victoria counts her time at the Breastfeeding Clinic among the best care she received throughout her ordeal. Victoria is now under surveillance and doing well, as are her boys. Her youngest will be turning 3 in May, the same age Victoria weaned her first son off the breast. It will be a time to celebrate new milestones, and hopefully, a new chapter of good health for all.
For more information on the clinic, or the 24-hour helpline, click here.
