Breastfeeding

The birth of your baby is a very exciting time for you and your family. There are many decisions you will make during your pregnancy and after your baby is born, and possibly none more important than deciding which form of nutrition is best for your baby. Our staff in The Maternity Center is here to assist you and provide information and support during this joyful stage of your life.

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and beneficial acts a mother can do for her baby. It can impact the present and future health of your baby. Learning to breastfeed can be difficult for some mothers and may require patience and practice. The good news is that it will get easier, and support for breastfeeding mothers is available. To prepare for breastfeeding, the most important thing you can do is have confidence in yourself that you can do it. Some mothers desire to pump their breastmilk instead of breastfeeding. We will educate those mothers on building a full milk supply.

Benefits of Breastfeeding

Remarkable health benefits have been proven to pass from mother to child through breastmilk. From antibodies which protect an infant at birth…to the exclusive nutrients in breastmilk which have been shown to prevent a number of childhood diseases…the benefits are numerous.

For baby:

• Breastmilk is the ideal food. The composition varies to keep pace with your baby’s individual growth and changing nutritional needs. Breastfed babies are less likely to have diarrhea, ear infections, respiratory illness, allergies, stomach bugs, and colds.
• Breastfeeding decreases future risk of obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, childhood leukemia, and other forms of cancer.
• Breastfeeding may also lower baby’s risk of dying from SIDS, and it’s even been linked to higher IQs.

For mom:

• Breastmilk requires no preparation, is always on hand wherever you go, and it comes out at the perfect temperature. It is the healthy choice at the least cost.
• Breastfeeding can help you drop your pregnancy pounds faster; lower your stress levels; and the hormones that help with breastfeeding also makes the uterus contract resulting in less postpartum bleeding.
• Breastfeeding has also been linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-partum depression.
• Breastfeeding women report psychological benefits such as increased self-confidence and a stronger sense of connection with their babies.

Skin to Skin Care

Skin to Skin (also called Kangaroo Care) is a special way of holding a baby skin to skin and chest to chest right after birth. Skin to skin contact provides a comforting, nurturing touch so your baby is relaxed and adjusts to life without stress. Skin to Skin unites you with your baby, and lets both of you develop strong bonds with each other. At Milford Regional we recommend this for all mothers and babies. During Skin to Skin, your baby will instinctively look for your breast for his/her first feeding. Find out more about Skin to Skin care.

Our Lactation Consultants

Milford Regional has several International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) on staff to assist and support breastfeeding families. This group has received numerous breastfeeding achievement awards from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health recognizing their skills and commitment to providing the best possible breastfeeding care to nursing mothers and their newborns. They were also recognized by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners and the International Lactation Consultant Association for excellence in comprehensive breastfeeding care. This international award places them among the best worldwide.

Our lactation consultants are available during pregnancy to provide information on breastfeeding. For any specific concerns (unusually shaped nipples, a history of breast surgery, a previous failed breastfeeding experience…), we recommend that you call to speak or meet with a lactation consultant by 34 weeks of pregnancy. You can reach a lactation consultant by calling 508-422-2960.

A breastfeeding class is available to help expectant parents develop an understanding of the basic principles of breastfeeding. For more information, go to our childbirth education classes and choose breastfeeding class, call 508-422-2827 or email.

New Parent Support Groups

For New Parents

Milford Regional offers support groups for new parents. New members are welcome. For more information call 508-422-2827 or email msanford@milreg.org.

Breastfeeding is Beautiful

A free feeding support group for breastfeeding parents and their babies. This peer-to-peer group will be led by lactation consultant Danielle Donovan, RN, BSN, IBCLC. Topics may include navigating the early weeks of breastfeeding, nighttime feedings, common challenges that can arise, coping with myths, combining breastfeeding, pumping and returning to work. The nurturing environment offers an opportunity for breastfeeding parents to support and encourage each other. We ask that you be respectful and are tolerant of different parenting styles. This group is not the right setting for a full consultation. Information provided in the group does not replace an existing feeding plan or care instructions from your healthcare provider. An infant scale will be available to weigh your baby.

First Friday of each month, 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Postpartum

This postpartum mental health support group is available for parents in the postpartum period (babies 0 - 12 months). The group is free and open to the public. A waiver needs to be completed to participate. The group is facilitated by Sarah Baroud, LICSW – a therapist and social worker who specializes in perinatal mental health. Each group will include a discussion topic and time for questions and mutual support.

Second & fourth Tuesday of each month, 10 - 11 a.m.

Parent Talk

This free discussion group is designed for parents of infants, age newborn to eight months. The forum provides mothers and fathers an opportunity to meet and connect with fellow parents, discuss concerns with caring for a newborn, and share parenting ideas. The group is facilitated by Laura Laird, BCCE. Topics to be discussed could range from sleep schedules, allergies, breast and bottle feeding, introducing new foods, or knowing when to call the pediatrician, to name a few.

Third Tuesday of each month, 10 - 11 a.m.

Frequently Asked Questions

Resources