Both mother and baby benefit from breastfeeding. And although nursing is natural, challenges sometimes arise for first-time and seasoned moms alike. Norton Healthcare provides the tools and support you need to be successful.

Benefits of Breastfeeding

The first milk, colostrum, is the perfect food for your baby in the first days of life. It is full of antibodies to strengthen the immune system. Beyond the first few days, breastfeeding gives your baby a healthy start that will last a lifetime.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies breastfeed for at least one year. Breastfeeding helps your baby in many ways, including:

• Fewer infections
• Lower rate of SIDS and other forms of infant death
• Lower rates of childhood cancer, diabetes and asthma
• Better brain development and higher IQ
• Lower risk of childhood obesity

Moms also reap benefits, including:

• Quicker recovery from childbirth
• Quicker return to prepregnancy weight
• Lower risk of breast and ovarian cancers
• Lower risk of diabetes and high blood pressure
• Better bonding, comfort and closeness with baby

Breastfeeding Resources at Norton Healthcare

We offer comprehensive resources to help you build a good breastfeeding relationship with your baby. This begins immediately after birth, when your baby is placed “skin to skin” on your bare chest. This bonding experience can lead to more successful breastfeeding.

Outside the delivery room, lactation-certified nurses and clinical staff and board-certified lactation consultants are available to provide education and support during your hospital stay.

We understand that breastfeeding questions, concerns and challenges may arise once you go home. That’s why we provide a host of outpatient services, including:

• Baby Bistro & Boutique
• Lactation center
• Norton eCare lactation consultations
• Lactation consultations available by appointment Monday through Friday. Please call (502) 559-1733 to schedule an appointment.

How We Help

Here are some of the ways our lactation team can assist you on your breastfeeding journey:

• Assistance with infant latching and positioning
• Assistance in increasing milk supply
• Assistance with special devices, including breast pump selection and use
• Creamatocrit analysis to determine fat and calories in milk
• Evaluation and assistance in interpreting baby’s behaviors related to nursing
• Follow-up for poor weight gain in infant
• Help determining the amount of milk baby needs and recognizing baby’s cues
• Individual breastfeeding counseling
• Informal small group classes for new breastfeeding momsMeasurements of amount of milk transfer (pre- and post-nursing weights)
• Planning for mother’s return to work