We are trained to help families on their breastfeeding journey

Our providers have received extra training in the support of families on their breastfeeding journey. Breastfeeding protects against a variety of disease and conditions in infants including diarrhea, respiratory infections, type 1 and 2 diabetes, lymphoma, leukemia, and Hodgkin’s disease, childhood overweight, obesity and many more.

There are also maternal health benefits to breastfeeding such as decreased postpartum and menstrual bleeding, a quicker return to pre-pregnancy weight, and a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

Our Lactation Services include:

Lactation consultations
Prenatal lactation/breastfeeding planning
Feeding preterm infants with breast milk
WIC collaboration and classes
Calorie-enhanced (fortified) breast milk preparation

Check to see whether your medication is compatible with breastfeeding

Breastfeeding Benefits

Breastfeeding has tremendous health benefits and forges a very strong bond between the mother and the child early on.

Essential nutrients for the baby

Breast milk provides the perfect amount of fatty acids, lactose, water, and amino acids for your baby's growth, digestion, and brain development. It also has antibodies that protect infants from bacteria and viruses, helping to fight off infection and diseases.

Positive effects for the mother

Breastfeeding is great for the baby, but it is also beneficial to the mother in many ways. For one thing, breastfeeding releases the hormone oxytocin, which helps shrink the uterus to its pre-pregnancy size, decrease blood pressure, and relieve stress. Women who breastfeed also have a lower risk of breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers, as well as osteoporosis.

Convenient and free

Wherever you and your baby happen to be, breast milk is always available on demand. There’s no formula to buy, no bottles to wash, no need to warm milk, and it costs virtually nothing. In addition, breast milk is always the right temperature, and it makes nighttime feedings a breeze.

Breastfeeding 101

If you decide to breastfeed, these tips and suggestions will help make this bonding experience easier on you and your baby.

Getting started with breastfeeding

It’s important to find a comfortable position for you and your baby before you start feeding. If you’re using the laid-back position, let your baby attach himself to your breast when he is ready. If you are using a different position, you will need control the attachment more than your baby. Once your baby is correctly latched, milk should flow naturally.

Breastfeeding positions

The key to a smooth feeding session is to ensure your baby is positioned in a way that allows him to get all the milk he can. There are several positions, one of which is bound to be suitable for your child:

Laid-back position – Recline your back to about 45 degrees, place the baby to your chest, and allow him to crawl and self-attach to the breast.
Cradle hold – Place a pillow on your lap and place the baby on the pillow, then rest his head on your forearm and tuck his lower arm under your breast.
Football hold – Place a pillow at your side and put your baby on the pillow with his legs tucked under your arm. Then slide your forearm under your baby’s back and support his head with your hand.
Lying down – Lie on your side and put your baby on his side, right next to your nipple. Then place your other arm or a pillow behind your baby for support.

Common breastfeeding problems

There are several problems associated with breastfeeding, including wrong latching position, pain, inverted nipples, leakage, and yeast infection. Make sure you seek help from your doctor or lactation consultant so you and your baby can begin a comfortable feeding routine.