Breastfeeding Support

Breastfeeding Support

Welcome to your breastfeeding journey. Whether you’re a first-timer or this is your third or fourth baby, our lactation team is here for YOU! There’s a lot of information out there about breastfeeding and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but we’re here to help. 

Although breastfeeding is a natural process, we know it can take some trial and error to establish a routine. Through the lactation services at Baptist Medical Center East and Baptist Medical Center South, nurses who are board-certified lactation consultants provide breastfeeding education and support to moms throughout their breastfeeding journey. That begins with lactation classes before the baby is born and continues while you’re in the hospital where lactation consultants will visit you daily. 

Breastfeeding Classes at Baptist Health

Baptist Medical Center South and Baptist Medical Center East each offer prenatal breastfeeding classes either as a separate class or as part of a childbirth class, depending on the location. Partners are encouraged to participate in the class as well. Moms receive information on breastfeeding equipment and supplies, as well as learn about:

  • The advantages of breastfeeding
  • Basic anatomy and physiology of milk production
  • Techniques to promote successful breastfeeding

How to Reach Us:

To speak with a lactation consultant or to learn more about the lactation center, please call:

Why is Breastfeeding Best for Babies?

Research shows that breastfed babies have a lower risk of:

  • Asthma
  • Childhood leukemia
  • Childhood obesity
  • Ear infections
  • Diarrhea and vomiting
  • Eczema
  • Respiratory infections
  • Necrotizing enterocolitis, a disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract in premature babies
  • Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
  • Type 2 diabetes

How Does Breastfeeding Help New Moms?

Breastfeeding offers many health and psychological benefits for new moms. The release of hormones while breastfeeding enhances the bond between moms and their babies. Prolactin produces a peaceful, nurturing sensation allowing moms to relax and concentrate on their baby while nursing. Oxytocin promotes a strong sense of love and attachment between mom and baby. It also helps return the uterus to its regular size more quickly and reduces postpartum bleeding.

Other breastfeeding benefits for moms include:

  • Lower rates of breast and ovarian cancer
  • Lower risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Ease of feeding while away from home and at night without having to assemble bottles
  • Cost savings by not buying formula

Breastfeeding Tips:

  • Stay hydrated.
  • Milk typically comes in around day 3-5.
  • Offer breast every 2-3 hours & more frequently if baby is showing feeding cues.
  • Have a comfortable, quiet place to nurse.
  • Cluster feeding is normal in the first few weeks. Babies can't tell time!
  • Expect yellow, seedy stools around day 5-7.
  • Initial weight loss is normal but ideally back to birth weight at 2 weeks.
  • Check with your insurance for pump eligibility.
  • Don't hesitate to reach out for help. Please call us with any questions or concerns!

Local Breast Pump Information:

Montgomery:

Military:

Online breast Pump Information

Local Outpatient Breastfeeding Resources

Arise Lactation

Maxwell Air Force Base New Parent Support Program

River Region Lactation

Village Maternal Services

Mothers' Milk Bank Alabama - Donation only

Infant Risk Center

  • Offers guidance on medication exposure to infant and breastfeeding safety.
  • (806) 352-2519