TORONTO - Some doctors and nurses say Ontario is playing a "cruel joke" on new mothers by failing to provide them with the training they need to breastfeed.
Dr. Jack Newman, who operates a breastfeeding clinic in Toronto, says he is overwhelmed by frustrated mothers who need help.
Newman estimates 90 per cent of those women wouldn't be at the clinic if they had been taught a few basics about breastfeeding before leaving hospital with their babies.
He says it's wrong for society to convince new mothers that breastfeeding is good for their babies and for them, but then not give them proper training.
The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario says there would not be a huge demand for breastfeeding clinics if new moms were given the support they need in hospital.
NDP health critic Shelly Martel says the province needs a breastfeeding strategy for all mothers and newborns to replace the current patchwork of services.
