Breastfeeding

The decision about whether to breastfeed is a highly personal one. There are a lot of health benefits to both mother and child, and it’s a natural way to nourish a baby. But “natural” doesn’t mean you’ll be an automatic pro—it’s also natural for some women, and some newborns, to need a little bit of help to be successful at it.

Our lactation consultants are a resource for mothers who decide to breastfeed. They’re registered nurses who have helped hundreds of moms gain the confidence and knowledge that leads to good breastfeeding experiences. The process starts early, with prenatal classes and personal consults to prepare new mothers to start breastfeeding once their new baby arrives.

• Breastfeeding before and after the birth of your baby
• Establishing and maintaining your milk supply
• Assurance that breastfeeding is going smoothly
• Selecting breast pumps and nursing bras

Why It’s Worth It to Try Breastfeeding

• Breast milk is extremely nutritious, and babies digest it easily.
• Breast milk contains antibodies that bolster your baby’s immune system.
• Some researchers believe that breastfeeding may reduce the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
• Producing breast milk requires calories, which come from body fat—like the fat your body stores during your last trimester.
• Breastfeeding helps the uterus return to its normal size. And it may decrease the incidence of ovarian cancer and premenopausal breast cancer.
• Breastfeeding is a powerful way to bond with your baby.