Breastfeeding Center
For most new mothers and their babies, breastfeeding is a rewarding
and beneficial experience. Numerous studies have indicated that
breastfed infants tend to experience fewer illnesses, are less likely to
develop allergies, and have a lower incidence of diabetes than their
bottle-fed counterparts. Besides the health benefits provided to a
newborn, breastfeeding is less expensive, and often more convenient,
than bottle-feeding. Most new mothers, however, have many questions or
even doubts about breastfeeding. Huntington Hospital's Breastfeeding
Center offers women an encouraging, supportive, and informative
environment in which to learn more about the pros and cons of
breastfeeding. The Center is staffed by certified lactation consultants
who are available to offer advice, counseling and training in all
aspects of breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding Support Group and Consultation
The Breastfeeding Center hosts an ongoing support group for
breastfeeding mothers and their infants. Here, under the supervision of a
lactation specialist, mothers meet to share encouragement and support
for their decision to breastfeed. Any breastfeeding mother and her
infant may attend these no-cost meetings, provided both are free of
communicable illnesses (i.e. cold, flu, cough, etc.). Due to safety
considerations, infants are permitted to attend only until they are able
to crawl. The group meets every Thursday morning from 10:00 a.m. to
11:30 a.m., except for holidays. For more information on meetings and
room locations, please contact the Breastfeeding Center at (626) 397-3172, or the hospital's Perinatal Health Education department at (626) 397-8768.
In addition to sponsoring the breastfeeding support group, the Center
provides one-on-one consultations for nursing mothers. Our lactation
consultants can provide advice on nutrition, breast pumps, weaning and
various other breastfeeding issues. Mothers receiving inpatient
maternity care at Huntington Hospital may enjoy a private consultation
free of charge. For an outpatient consultation, the fee is $100.00 per
hour. Outpatient consultations require an appointment.
Breastfeeding Accessories
For a variety of reasons, some women
experience difficulties when breastfeeding. For these women, breast
pumps and other breastfeeding accessories can ease the discomfort or
complications that result from inadequate milk supply, engorged or
infected breasts, flat or sore nipples, or other special circumstances.
The Breastfeeding Center stocks a large supply of breast pumps, such as
the Medela
Pump in Style, adapter kits, breast cups, nursing
bras, pads, pillows and other accessories that can help improve the
breastfeeding experience for both mother and baby. The Center also
rents, by appointment, state-of-the-art electric breast pumps, such as
the Medela
Classic, Medela
Lactina Select or the Medela
Symphony.
If you have any questions about breastfeeding, or if you would like
more information on consultations, breastfeeding accessories, or our
breastfeeding support group, please call the Breastfeeding Center at
(626) 397-3172.
Certified lactation specialists are available to assist you from 9:00
a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on holidays. Huntington
Hospital
Breastfeeding Center
(626) 397-3172
Perinatal Health Education
(626) 397-8768