Are you considering working with one of the WVU Medicine Children’s lactation consultants as you prepare to give birth? Here’s what our team wants you to know.

We Will Not Judge You

Lactation consultants, pediatricians and nursing staff truly want the best for parents and baby.

We will offer help with breastfeeding if you’d like it but will never pressure you to feed your baby in a way that is not comfortable for you.

Pumping is Breastfeeding

Pumping is one of the best ways to protect your milk supply if you are having trouble with breastfeeding.

Interested in exclusive pumping? A lactation consultant can guide and encourage you through it. A breast pump is an important tool for breastfeeding parents. Most insurance companies cover the cost of a pump, so you may not need to purchase one.

Get Your Pump BEFORE Baby Arrives

Even if you don’t think you need it, there are plenty of reasons you may need to use a pump very shortly after your baby is born.

If your baby has trouble latching or you are separated from your baby, frequent pumping sessions will keep your milk supply going. You can call your insurance company or use a durable medical equipment company to get your pump.

Everyone Should Try Skin-to-Skin

No matter how you plan to feed your baby, consider trying skin-to-skin time with them after delivery.

This practice is very soothing and helps parents and newborns to bond. Babies who are held skin-to-skin cry less.
Ask your nurse to show you how to safely hold your baby skin-to-skin.

Lactation Cookies Aren’t Worth It

Lactation cookies can be packed with sugar, not to mention expensive.

There is no strong evidence that shows they cause a long-term increase in milk production. Most lactation consultants will recommend you eat a balanced, healthy diet and stay hydrated. There are a lot of great ways to increase your milk supply, if needed.

Increasing Milk Supply is Not Always Necessary, but Assistance from a Professional is Recommended

Many parents worry about low milk supply.

Evaluation from a professional can help you feel more confident. You may have heard the terms “supply and demand” about breastfeeding. This means the more frequently you nurse or pump, the more milk your body will make. Skin-to-skin contact increases the hormones that make breastmilk.

You should know that it’s not always that straightforward. If you would like help understanding your milk supply, please contact an IBCLC (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant).

Support Makes the Difference

When parents think they have a low milk supply they are more likely to stop breastfeeding before they planned. It is important that parents understand how to know if their baby is getting enough milk. Parents who deliver in hospitals that use research-backed breastfeeding practices are more likely to still breastfeed as the baby gets older.

WVU Medicine Children’s provides training to the health care team so they can help parents with breastfeeding. In the hospital, your nurse will often be the first person to help you latch your baby or set up a breast pump. Our nurses are trained to get you started, check the latch, and troubleshoot common issues. Lactation consultants will observe a feeding to see how it is going, provide education about breastfeeding, and offer specialized lactation care when needed. Our team of doctors and providers will review your baby’s feeding patterns, diaper counts, and weight changes to know if they are getting enough to eat.

Making sure you get the best start is a team effort at WVU Medicine Children’s.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Lactation support should be customized to each person.

What worked for a friend or relative may not work for you. Recommendations for a baby born just a few weeks early are different than those for a baby born at full term. Access to health care providers with lactation experience is essential to make sure you receive advice that is tailored to your needs. If you need lactation assistance, please check out the resources listed below.

We Support You

The postpartum period comes with a lot of ups and downs.

As lactation consultants, we want you to understand that we respect your situation and your boundaries. It is a privilege to be present as new families are established and we take that very seriously. Our job is to make sure you feel supported and heard throughout the process.

If something does not feel right, speak up, because we are here to support you!

If you need lactation help, please use these resources from WVU Medicine Children’s. We are happy to schedule an appointment to work with you and determine what’s best for your family.

Inpatient lactation Office: 304-554-8529

Cheat Lake Lactation: 304-594-1313

University Town Centre Lactation: 304-598-4835

To take a breastfeeding class with an IBCLC, click here.

To find your local WIC Office click here.

Although the terms “mother” and “breastfeeding “are used in our materials, we are mindful of the fact these are not used by every parent. WVU Medicine Children’s supports all kinds of families.