Benefits of breastfeeding and support for nursing mothers
At Main Line Health we make every effort to support mothers who wish to breastfeed. Breastfed babies may have decreased incidence or severity of conditions such as diarrhea, lower respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, bacterial meningitis, and other infections. Breast milk offers possible protection against sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), asthma, and large list of other disorders and diseases. There are also numerous benefits to the nursing mother, including earlier return to pre-pregnancy weight, and reduced risk of premenopausal breast cancer as well as reduced risk of ovarian cancer.
Lactation support services at Main Line Health
Main Line Health proudly offers inpatient breastfeeding support from our skilled nurses, and each of our hospitals in the Philadelphia suburbs offers guidance from International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC).
These services include:
- Prenatal breastfeeding classes
- Inpatient consults to ensure breastfeeding success and solve breastfeeding problems
- Post-discharge phone support from our lactation “warm line” (484.565.8075)
- Free breastfeeding support groups at each site
Lactation counseling
Main Line Health provides prenatal breastfeeding classes, as well as staff trained in breastfeeding to assist breastfeeding mothers and babies during their hospital stay. Lactation rounds are made routinely on each breastfeeding mother. Lactation support is also available to all breastfeeding mothers with babies in the NICU or in the Pediatric Unit.
After discharge, we offer free breastfeeding support groups that are open to anyone in the community. In addition, we offer a “warm line” that any new mother can call, leave a message, and have an Main Line Health board-certified lactation consultant call you back. The number is 484.565.8075.
Lactation support once you get home
Board-certified lactation consultants are available for home or office consults on a fee-for-service basis. Some insurers will even pay for a consult with an in-network IBCLC.
