International Breastfeeding Centre

If you need breastfeeding support, I do NOT recommend going here. I was told I had no option but to take “ domperidone “ as long as I’d be breastfeeding, even though I have a family history of side effects.

I am thankful I got a second opinion from another IBCLC not associated with this clinic - I did NOT need any medication, just help with latch and proper information around breastfeeding. Successfully breastfeeding now without any meds.

It seems as though they prescribe medication immediately and send you off without giving proper breastfeeding support - please get a second opinion mamas!

It has taken me a few days to process my visit to the IBC and I am left with a pit in my stomach from the experience. I will try to summarize.

- Like many others have said, the clinic seems to recommend the same solution to everyone's problems: 1) domperidone to increase milk supply and 2) tongue tie release. It didn't feel like the LC was actually listening to our experience, she kept repeating herself and was very aggressive about my milk supply (at one point saying, in an accusatory tone, "well what was your plan to boost your milk supply? "). I have now heard from others in the industry that Dr. Newman's view is that an abundance of milk solves all breastfeeding problems.

- The LC said that Dr. Newman would tell me that I have to take domperidone. She said there are other options but "just tell him you're taking the prescription, even if you aren't" - red flag #1. Doctor comes in, tells us not to google domperidone and "don't believe anything you read on CNN" - red flag #2. Doctor leaves and LC tells us about a herbal supplement we can try instead. When I asked about pumping to boost my supply, LC said "I wouldn't know anything about that" - red flag #3.

- The experience sent me spiralling about my milk supply. I left feeling certain that my supply had dwindled and my baby wasn't getting enough milk. After one day of pumping in between feeds, it's clear that my supply is completely fine.

- One of the reasons for our visit was that my baby's latch had become more shallow; the LC did not provide a sufficient or helpful answer, only discussed what a deep latch should be

I had my hopes up when my child's doctor referred us to the 'breastfeeding expert in Canada' but I would strongly caution against visiting the IBC. Struggling with breastfeeding is incredibly heavy and emotional; IBC was not the support I needed.

Really, really, really nice staff. And knowledgeable. Well worth the drive and price. Would go again if we had another reason to. Learned a lot about how to breastfeed effectively. Other places are trash. Just go here.

I had 2 different experiences at IBC, one at the old location and one at the new location. My first experience 2 years ago felt rushed.the LC back then didn't offer much support, but in the end breastfeeding was significantly improved after a tongue tie released. Fast forward 2 years later, my 2nd experience today at the new location was amazing! Debbie, the LC, is super professional and kind. She answered all my questions and I felt that she really cared for her patients. I am so lucky that I got to see her! I also got to see Dr Newman. He did the tongue tie release on my son. He is a very kind man and unlike what people say about him on reviews. Feeding is better immediately after the release! Thanks IBC for working your magic on my babies!
Definitely come if you are a mom struggling with breastfeeding your baby.

Looking back at my breastfeeding journey and knowing what I know now, Dr Newman’s approach wasn’t right for us at all. They follow the same script with every woman, but it doesn’t work for everyone! Dr Newman did a tongue tie release and prescribed domperidone, which did nothing to help us. At the second consult, the LC simply said that there isn’t much else they can advise but wait, and gave us a YouTube link to sucking exercises. Wouldn’t it make sense for a LC to show us the exercises since the baby and I were right there? Six months later at a dentist appt, we found out that our baby had a bad, obvious lip tie, which of course was another reason she couldn’t latch. I don’t think Dr Newman assessed her lips at all.

About Dr Newman himself…His attitude is horrible. His consultants were sympathetic and caring, but he was rude and indifferent. An example? Baby was screaming while he was explaining things to us, so I tried giving her a pacifier. I understand that he hates pacifiers but he slapped (!) my hand and snapped at me. He also made “they don’t know anything” kind of comments about other doctors and consultants, which is highly unprofessional.

I am happy for the moms for whom his approach worked. But if you’re experiencing painful breastfeeding, I would highly recommend making an appointment with a LC at the hospital and taking your baby to the dentist for assessment.

The lactation consultants here are knowledgeable and friendly. They helped me latch and prescribed medicines for breastfeeding

However the clinic kept stressing that my child has a tongue tie which needs to be released, I showed this to 3 other Paediatricians and all said there was nothing. My family doctor said that they seem to find a tongue tie in most children that visit them and insist on tongue release. Please do your research before you agree to the procedure

What a horrible experience. Went to this clinic twice. The first time was ok, the Dr was great lactation consultant listened to my concerns, made suggestions, diagnosed my baby with a tongue tie and had the release done. A month later was still having problems so decided to return and was booked with Dr Jack Newman. I was a little hesitant after having read a few reviews but decided to go in with an open mind. The bad reviews we spot on. I returned because my baby was not latching properly, clicking and was very gassy all the time due to a poor latch. He asked me one question- why is the baby crying? I responded with she is gassy due to a poor latch, he looked at me and said she wants more, handed me a prescription and walked out. I just finished breastfeeding my other child for 9 months with zero problems and know supply is not the issue. The lactation consultant said her tongue still had some tension and agreed there was a bit of a lip tie so I agreed to go ahead with another tongue release and lip tie release as recommended. Dr Newman preformed the tongue release and the lc said what about the lip, dr Newman said I thought I said not to do the lip? But then went ahead and cut the lip anyways. I was so confused as to why he said that when there was no conversation with me and if he was advising NOT to do it then why did he go ahead and do it? !? I left feeling horrible for my poor little baby will never return and think Dr Newman needs to understand that not every woman’s problem is tongue tie release and prescription for domperidone. After going back to see my midwife and doctor we have discovered my babies poor latch is due to a high palate and supply is definitely not the issue as she is consistently gaining weight.

Great experience here! Immediate difference with feeding after tongue tie release and support. I can't thank you enough!