Breastfeeding Support Services from Presbyterian

Breastfeeding Support Services, staffed by registered nurses who are internationally board certified lactation consultants, provides a comprehensive program designed to meet the needs of breastfeeding families before birth, during the hospital stay and after mother is home with baby.

Why call a lactation consultant?

You should consider seeing a lactation consultant, either before or after birth, or get breastfeeding help if:

• You feel unsure of how breastfeeding is going at any time
• Your baby does not wake up to nurse, has a very dry mouth, does not look well or has yellow eyes or skin
• You are experiencing sore, cracked, or bleeding nipples
• You are separated from your baby or returning to work.
• Your baby is not having 6 or more wet diapers and 4 or more stools every 24 hours
• Your breasts do not feel fuller or heavier by day 5
• Your breasts become engorged and do not soften with feedings
• Your baby does not start to gain weight after your milk comes in
• You have a history of lactation failure with a previous birth
• You have had breast surgery or disease

Where to get help

• Call your baby's doctor
• Call Breastfeeding Support Services to talk with a lactation consultant at 841-1773
• For emergencies, go to an Urgent Care Center or to the Emergency Room

Services offered by Breastfeeding Support Services at Presbyterian include:

Breastfeeding Basics Prenatal classes

• Taking a breastfeeding class before birth helps prepare parents for a positive breastfeeding experience

Inpatient Breastfeeding Support

• After your baby is born and while you are in the hospital, if you have special breast feeding needs or questions, a lactation consult is available free of charge to visit and help you
• If baby requires special attention in the neonatal intensive care unit, lactation consultants will assist you in developing an individualized breastfeeding plan of care

Private outpatient lactation consultation clinic visits

• Presbyterian’s Breastfeeding Support Services provides continuity of care through clinic visits, telephone follow-up, or breast pump rental. Clinic visits benefit new families by providing early detection of jaundice and infections and by helping with breastfeeding challenges
• Visits are available by request, both before or after birth, or when a need is identified by a lactation consultant or your baby's doctor. In some cases, insurance will cover the cost of the visit

Breastfeeding Warm Line

• After you are home with baby, you can call to talk with a lactation consultant about your breastfeeding questions. Calls are answered Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. This service is provided free of cost to the community

After hours or on weekends, for questions or concerns that you feel cannot wait, please call your baby's doctor. In an emergency, call 911.

Support groups and classes after baby is born include:

• Breastfeeding Mom's Support Group
• Breastfeeding and Returning to Work
• Breastfeeding Multiples

For more information or to register for classes call: 563-6500