Off to a healthy start
Breastfeeding is the best way to feed a baby for the first six months of life. In fact, breast milk is so good for a baby’s health and growth, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be breastfed for at least the first year.

Both mother and baby must learn how to breastfeed. We support and encourage breastfeeding mothers through this learning process, and help you if you or your baby has any problems.

Helping mothers breastfeed their babies successfully
To teach you, we have professional staff specially trained in lactation and breastfeeding. They are health care professionals who are International Board Certified Lactation Consultants and Lactation Educators. They know about women’s bodies, breast milk, how babies develop, the benefits of breastfeeding, and how breastfeeding affects families. They are available 24-hours-a-day to answer questions and help you breastfeed your baby.

Breastfeeding advantages
Breast milk gives your baby antibodies to help keep him or her from getting sick. These antibodies lower your baby’s risk of getting colds, flu, ear infections, diarrhea, meningitis, pneumonia and other infections.

• Babies who have been breastfed are less likely to have diabetes, allergies, asthma, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colities, lymphoma and other diseases.
• Mothers who breastfeed are less likely to get breast cancer, ovarian cancer or osteoporosis. The longer you breastfeed, the greater the benefit for both you and your baby.
• Breastfeeding helps create a stronger bond between you and your baby.

Support for mothers
We are available to answer questions, by phone or in person, before your baby is born, at the time of birth, and after birth when you and your baby are at home. Lacatation Consultants offer:

• Support while in the hospital. In the hospital, our nurses will answer questions and help you learn about breastfeeding. If there are problems or concerns, a lacation educator or consultant may be called.
• Support at home. Because it is important to us that mothers breastfeed their babies successfully, we also support you at home. For questions or concerns at home, call us anytime at 952-892-2552. Lacatation consultants are available to meet in our offices at Fairview Ridges Hospital. The cost may be covered by insurance. Call to schedule an appointment.
  

Fairview Ridges Breastfeeding Connection Services
We are ready to help you with any concerns or problems you may have about breastfeeding, including:

• How to breastfeed
• Problems with the breast or nipple
• Breastfeeding after a breast surgery
• Breastfeeding at work or school
• Taking medicines while breastfeeding
• Pumping and storing breast milk
• What to do when the baby doesn’t want to nurse
• What to do when the baby is slow to gain weight
• Breastfeeding after weaning
• Breastfeeding an adopted baby

Fairview Ridges Breastfeeding Connection Products

Breastfeeding products are available at Fairview Ridges Hospital. For more information on this service call, 952-892-2552.