You are here : Home : welcome to the women's hospital : Our Services : Obstetrical Care : Breast Feeding

We offer comprehensive services to women who wish to breastfeed. Our professional staff includes:

• Ten Registered Nurses, International Board Certified Lactation Consultants.
• Three Registered Nurses who are also Certified Lactation Counselors

We offer:

• Monthly breastfeeding classes covering basic information on feeding and pumping are held at the Women’s Hospital. To make a reservation, call 812/ 450-BABY.
• Daily consultations with every breastfeeding mother while an inpatient; providing education and question answering. Assistive devices are also available as needed. Lactation support services are offered 24 hours a day.
• The Great Beginnings Store offers breast pump rental or purchase along with other specialized breastfeeding aides, including but not limited to: nursing bras, breast pads, storage containers, Lily Padz®, nursing gowns, newborn gowns, infant swaddlers, infant slings, and nursing pillows.
• Follow-up phone calls for mothers after discharge.
• Warm line for mothers with breastfeeding questions or problems. Call 812/ 842-4239.
• Complimentary weight checks in the Great Beginnings Store.
• Outpatient consultations, by appointment, in the Great Beginnings Store. $35 one time fee includes any follow-up visits if needed. 812/ 842-4239, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and noon through 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
• Tuesday Mammas Support Group meets every Tuesday from 9 a.m.-11a.m on the third floor of The Women's Hospital. A lactation consultant is present to perform weight checks and answer questions.
• Current research-based resources for the medical staff.

Great Beginnings is located at the front entrance just beyond the information desk and across from the Boutique. We look forward to serving you.

Consultation with a lactation specialist is recommended if:

• Baby has low output. Day 1-3, expect at least 3 stools and 2-3 wet diapers. Day 3-5 expect at least 2 stools and 3-5 wets. Day 5 and beyond, expect at least 2-4 stools and 6-8 wet diapers.
• Baby continually falls asleep at the breast and does not keep up a continuous pattern of suckle-swallow for 15-20 minutes per feeding.
• Baby has lost more than 7% of birth weight.
• Baby is unsettled and cries excessively.
• Mother is anxious about breastfeeding.
• Mother has sore, cracked or bleeding nipples.
• Mother has engorged or painful breasts.
• Mother has difficulty with latch or positioning of her baby.
• Mother thinks her supply is low and wonders if she should supplement breastfeeding with formula.
• A typical feeding lasts more than an hour.
• There are special circumstances, such as prematurity, twins, anomalies, or maternal health concerns.
• Baby gets a thrush infection.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How do I ensure a good supply of breastmilk?
A: Breastfeed early and often- early after birth and every 2-3 hours, waking the infant by three hours if he does not wake on his own.

Q: Should breastfeeding be painful?
A: There may be some discomfort in the first few seconds that should wane as the feeding proceeds. Continued soreness throughout the feeding is not normal. Cracking and bleeding nipples are not normal either. This usually can be corrected with simple positioning changes. Contact your Lactation consultant for assistance.

Q: Can I breastfeed if I have had breast surgery?
A: Yes. Whether you are able to produce a full milk supply will depend upon the type of surgery that you have had. Please let your Lactation Consultant know of your history of breast surgery and options will be discussed with you at that time.

Q: How do I know that my baby is getting enough?
A: If your baby is having 6-8 wet diapers, 3 yellow, runny stools by day 5, and seems satisfied after feedings, your baby is getting enough. Do not give a bottle after feedings to see if he is still hungry. Babies will usually take the milk from the bottle even when they are not hungry.

Q: Can I give my baby a pacifier?
A: It is best to wait until the baby is a month old and breastfeeding well. Some babies have difficulty latching on to the breast after taking a pacifier.

Q: How often should I feed my baby?
A: A newborn needs to be fed a minimum of 8-12 times a day. The infant may cluster feedings, nursing as frequently as every hour.

Q: When can my baby sleep through the night?
A: Babies will gradually sleep for longer time periods at night, but they will continue to need night feedings for several months.

Q: What foods can’t I eat while breastfeeding?
A: There are no foods that a mother needs to stay away from while breastfeeding. If there are allergies or sensitivities in the family, you may want to stay away from these foods or watch for reactions.

Q: How long should I breastfeed on each side?
A: A baby will usually nurse for 10-20 minutes on each side.

Q: Does my baby need to nurse on both sides at each feeding?
A. No. You should always try to nurse on both sides but it is OK if the baby refuses to nurse on the second side.

Q: Can I nurse my baby if I am sick?
A: Yes. When you nurse a baby when you are sick, you pass on immunities to the baby through your milk.

Q: Can I nurse my baby if I am taking medications?
A: Most medications are compatible with nursing. Your lactation consultant can give you information about the medication but then always check with your pediatrician.

• Deaconess Health System

• Evansville, Indiana
• 812/450-5000
  
  
• Terms of Use
  
  
• Site Map
  
  
• Copyright 1998-2010