Breastfeeding
The decision to breastfeed is yours alone. The best way to make this decision is to educate yourself about the benefits, the techniques and the support available to you should you choose to breastfeed your child.
A mother’s milk gives your baby the best start in life and is the ideal nutrition for your baby’s first year. The more we learn, the more we find that a mother’s milk is far superior to formula for an infant’s nutrition. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants be breastfed for the first full year of life.
It is rare that a mother is medically unable to breastfeed. With motivation, support and confidence, almost any mother should be able to breastfeed.
Benefits for baby:
- Digestive/GI tract wellness
- Less constipation/diarrhea
- Fewer GI infections/distress
- Fewer bowel diseases
Immunity
- Lower risk of pneumonia
- Fewer respiratory illnesses
- Fewer ear infections
- Lower risk of meningitis
- Fewer urinary tract infections
- Lower risk of diabetes in children
- Lower risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
- Fewer allergies/eczema/asthma
Emotional
- Baby feels more secure
- Enhanced bonding
Benefits for mom:
- Feel closer to baby
- Less time-consuming
- Lose pregnancy weight faster
- Fewer cancers of breast, ovaries, uterus
- Confidence that you are doing the best thing for your baby
- Saves money
Lactation Centers
Our Lactation Centers at UH TriPoint Medical Center and UH Lake West Medical Center provides guidance and answers about breastfeeding for both new and expectant mothers. Located in the Family Birthing Center of each hospital, our lactation centers provide:
- Support while you’re in the hospital after giving birth
- Breastfeeding classes (there is a small fee)
- Outpatient visits with a certified lactation consultant (there is a small fee)
- Breastfeeding support group
- FREE telephone consultation 24 hours a day with a skilled nurse or certified lactation consultant
- Sales/rentals of Medela breast pumps and supplies
TriPoint and Lake West medical centers have been recognized as Designated Baby-Friendly birth facilities. This initiative distinguishes birthing centers and hospitals that take extra steps to encourage, educate and support breastfeeding moms. We’re here to help moms succeed at breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding Resources
Your obstetrician, pediatrician, nurse or certified lactation consultant can help you make an informed decision about breastfeeding. There are also community resources available to you in Lake County:
Breastfeeding Helpline
440-602-6625
Trusted Online Resources:
Lake West Family Birthing Center
UH Lake West Medical Center
36000 Euclid Avenue, 5th Floor
Willoughby, OH 44094
find
TriPoint Family Birthing Center
TriPoint Medical Center
7590 Auburn Road
Concord Township, OH 44077
find