Breastfeeding Support
Schedule an Appointment
Breastfeeding Support
Breastfeeding helps you bond with your baby, while providing unique nutritional and health benefits to you both—it is truly special.
At AtlantiCare, we know that the decision to breastfeed is a personal one. As a baby-friendly institution, we’ll educate you on the benefits of breastfeeding so you can make your own informed choices on how to feed your little one. No matter what you decide, we’re here to support you with whatever you need.
If you decide to breastfeed, and are able, our team of board-certified lactation consultations are always nearby, and will visit several times during your stay to coach you through your first feedings, answer questions, and address any issues like latching difficulties or low milk production.
Once you’ve arrived home, you can still call us at any time—we’ll remain your support partner and will help you to feel comfortable and confident throughout your whole breastfeeding experience.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
More than a way to feed your baby, breastfeeding is an important health choice that quickly becomes a lifestyle. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of your baby’s life, followed by breastfeeding in combination with the introduction of solid foods until at least 12 months of age. To learn more about the advantages of breastfeeding, click here.
Breastfeeding Benefits for Baby
- Breast milk is the most complete nutrition for infants. Your milk has just the right amount of fat, sugar, water, and protein needed for baby’s growth and development. No one has been able to duplicate all the vital components of human milk.
- Breast milk has antibodies that help protect your baby from bacteria and viruses. These antibodies are not found in breast milk substitutes, such as formula. Babies who are breastfed for six months are less likely to have ear infections, diarrhea, or respiratory illnesses.
- Breast milk contains complex hormones and ingredients that help protect against chronic illnesses, including asthma, diabetes, and obesity.
- The process of breastfeeding will calm and quiet your baby. Research shows that breastfeeding helps babies socialize and promotes healthy relationships as he or she matures into adulthood.
Breastfeeding Benefits for Mom
- Breastfeeding is a normal, natural process that creates a biological connection between you and your baby.
- Breastfeeding lowers your risk of breast and ovarian cancers, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
- Breastfeeding saves money because it’s free.
- Breastfed babies typically need fewer doctor visits, prescriptions, and hospitalizations.
- Breastfeeding burns extra calories.
- Breastfeeding produces oxytocin, which helps contract the uterus back to its pre-pregnancy size.
- Breastfeeding may prevent menstruation.
Breastfeeding is also better for the environment, because there’s less trash and plastic waste compared to formula!
How AtlantiCare Supports Successful Breastfeeding:
- To learn about the breastfeeding classes, click here.
- Have a written breastfeeding policy routinely communicated to all healthcare staff in the Center for Childbirth.
- Train all healthcare staff in skills necessary to implement this policy.
- Educate all pregnant women about the benefits and management of breastfeeding.
- Help mothers initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth.
- Show mothers how to breastfeed and how to maintain lactation, even if separated from their baby.
- Give infants no food or drink other than breast milk, unless medically indicated.
- We practice rooming-in allowing mothers and babies remain together 24 hours a day.
- We encourage unrestricted breastfeeding.
- Give no pacifiers or artificial nipples to breastfeeding infants.
- Foster the establishment of breastfeeding support groups and refer mothers to them on discharge from the Center for Childbirth.
Outpatient Lactation Support Services
Outpatient Lactation Support Services are available in our APG OBGYN offices and/or our Medical Arts Pavilion in Atlantic City. To schedule an appointment please call 888-569-1000 or 609-677-7211.
Donor Breast Milk
Outpatient Lactation Support Services
Outpatient Lactation Support Services are available in our APG OBGYN offices and/or our Medical Arts Pavilion in Atlantic City. To schedule an appointment please call 888-726-6130 or 609-650-8467.