Lactation and Breastfeeding Services

Learn more about lactation consultant services:

We host three local groups of La Leche League. La Leche League is an international nonprofit dedicated to providing education and support to women who want to breastfeed.

The North Mount Pleasant group meets at the Roper St. Francis Mount Pleasant Hospital. The West Ashley group meets at our Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital. The Summerville group meets at the Roper St. Francis Berkeley Hospital.

Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital
Meets the third Friday of each month, 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. in Mall Classroom 3.

Roper St. Francis Mount Pleasant Hospital
Meets the second Tuesday of each month, 9:30 – 10 a.m. in the Medical Office Building, Classroom 1.

Roper St. Francis Berkeley Hospital
Meets the first Monday of each month, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and the third Tuesday of each month, 6 – 8 p.m. in the Medical Office Building Classroom.

1. Do all expecting moms need to attend a breastfeeding class?
   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.


2. Can you recommend a good breastfeeding book?
   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.


3. Will a lactation consultant come see me in the hospital after delivery?
   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.


4. Will my insurance cover my breastfeeding consultation while I'm in the hospital?
   Your breastfeeding consultation is part of your patient stay.


5. Do all nursing mothers need a breast pump?
   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.


6. How can I tell if my baby is getting enough milk?
   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.

    



7. I am not due for a few weeks, but my breasts are leaking. Is that normal?
   Yes. Some mothers experience colostrum leakage. Colostrum is the “early” milk stored in your breasts during pregnancy.