Breastfeeding

More and more new mothers are breastfeeding their infants.

That's good news for both moms and babies.

Breastfeeding is a nurturing, natural process that is rewarding for the mother and physically and emotionally rewarding for the baby.

Human breast milk is the most natural food for tiny bodies. It is easy to digest and contains antibodies and immunological elements that protect infants from infections in the first weeks and months of life.

Contrary to popular belief, breastfeeding is not always an easy, natural process for mothers and babies. There are some techniques to learn and physical signs to watch for in both the mother and the infant.

Questions and concerns about breastfeeding often come up after mom and baby are at home. For many women, questions about continuing to breastfeed after returning to work is an issue. Other mothers who wish to breastfeed face special issues such as premature infants, infants with medical problems and multiple births.

All of these women need somewhere to turn to for help and answers to breastfeeding concerns. Now they have a place. Breastfeeding services is a component of the Birth Center. These services were designed to provide both clinical and emotional support for breastfeeding women and their babies.

Breastfeeding services can help women deal with a variety of concerns including: breast or nipple pain, insufficient milk supply, inadequate infant weight gain, breastfeeding an infant with special needs, breastfeeding a premature infant, continuing to breastfeed after returning to work, nursing multiple infants and weaning.

The Birth Center provides the following services:

• Prenatal breastfeeding classes
• Prenatal assessment for women with previous or anticipated breastfeeding problems
• Breastfeeding educational materials
• In-house hospital consultation for mothers and newborns
• Outpatient consultation for nursing mothers and babies

The Birth Center breastfeeding service is staffed with professionals who understand the importance of breastfeeding for both mother and baby. They have the expertise to assess breastfeeding problems and concerns.

To make an appointment for consultation, or for more information, please call the Birth Center at (785) 452-6924.