Lactation and Breastfeeding Services

Many new parents tell us they are happy that they took a breastfeeding class before delivery. The class explains breastfeeding basics, hospital procedures and lactation consultant services.

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by Diane Wiessinger, Diana West and Teresa Pitmanis an easy-to-read book. Working mothers, stay-at-home moms, single moms, and mothers of multiples will benefit from the book’s range of nursing advice, stories, and information.

Our lactation consultants have received extensive breastfeeding and lactation education and all of our nursing staff is trained to support breastfeeding moms. A consultant or nurse will visit you during your hospital stay and assist with helping you start breastfeeding. However, if you wish to see the lactation consultant, please let you doctor or nurses know.

Your breastfeeding consultation is part of your patient stay.

No. You may need a breast pump if your baby can’t nurse well. A pump may also be helpful if you can’t feed in the first days after delivery. Many mothers may use a pump to collect milk for feedings when they are away (such as for work or school).

Hospital-grade pumps and pump kits are available if you need them while staying in the hospital. You can also rent a breast pump from us when you are ready to go home. If you’re not sure which pump to get, our staff can help you make the right choice.

Many women worry if their baby is eating enough. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Most babies need at least eight to 12 feedings in a 24-hour period.
• Watch for cues that your baby is hungry.
• Make sure you nurse until your baby shows signs of being full.
• Offer both breasts at each feeding. This helps stimulate milk production.
• By the time your baby is five days old, you should expect six to eight clear, wet diapers and three to five bowel movements. The bowel movements should be bigger than a quarter.

You should visit with your baby’s doctor shortly after leaving the hospital. These appointments usually happen two to four days after birth and again a week after birth. During these appointments, the doctor will check your baby’s weight to see if they’re eating enough.

 

Yes. Some mothers experience colostrum leakage. Colostrum is the “early” milk stored in your breasts during pregnancy.