Breastfeeding Support

Ongoing support is important for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. As the only Baby Friendly Hospital in the region, we provide the highest level of care for you and your baby. Between our evidence-based practices to help you and baby bond, and the support and education you’ll receive from your experienced nursing team, you and your baby will be off to the best possible start together.

How We Help

At TMH, all of our labor and delivery, postpartum, neonatal and pediatric nurses are specially trained to help moms breastfeed their babies. While you’re in the hospital, our care team will help you:

Establish a good latch
Hold your baby in position
Make sure your baby is receiving enough milk

Get Started Early: Take Our Prenatal Breastfeeding Class

Get a jumpstart on breastfeeding before your baby arrives by signing up for our Prenatal Breastfeeding class. We’ll cover:

The importance of breastfeeding
Benefits for mom and baby
How breastfeeding works
Getting the best start
The importance of support

This class is free for Capital Health Plan members.

Your Breastfeeding Support Team

Whether you need a little help getting started breastfeeding or run into difficulties along the way, we’ve got you covered. We have the largest and most highly trained breastfeeding support team in the region. Depending on your individual needs, your breastfeeding support team may include:

Certified Lactation Counselors (CLC) – Professionals in lactation counseling who’ve completed additional training to help support families through their breastfeeding journeys.
Internationally Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) – Internationally accredited lactation professionals who’ve completed even more extensive training and hundreds of hours of hands-on practice.
Our highly educated and trained nursing staff
Your partner or personal support team

Meet Our Lactation Consultants

Join our Breastfeeding Support Group held every Wednesday, from 10:30 am to noon in the Women’s Pavilion Family Care Unit Resource Room.

What if Your Baby’s in the NICU?

If your baby needs extra care from our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and is able to, they’ll absolutely have the option to breastfeed. Our nurses and lactation experts will support you however you need.

You’ll also be able to provide breast milk to your newborn by pumping while in the Family Care Unit. We offer a hospital-grade pump while you’re here and, when you’re discharged, you can pump at home and bring your milk to your baby when you visit.

What if You Need Help When You Get Home?

Our support doesn’t stop when you leave the hospital. We offer outpatient lactation consultations with our IBCLCs.

Outpatient Lactation Consultation

If you’re running into any issues while breastfeeding your newborn, our IBCLCs are here to help. They are available Monday – Friday, 9 am – 3 pm ET. You can reach out within these hours to schedule an outpatient lactation consultation with them by calling: 850-431-0468.