AtlantiCare - Benefits of Breastfeeding

Lactation Consultants

Lactation Services

Who are Lactation Consultants? At AtlantiCare our Lactation Consultants are registered nurses who have earned their certification in lactation through the International Board of Certified Lactation Consultants. This means that they have completed additional training to support families with breastfeeding and/or pumping. Breastfeeding and pumping isn’t always easy and when you do need help or have questions, our lactation consultants are here for you. Lactation consultants provide nonjudgmental support for families during their feeding journey: this includes during pregnancy, in the hospital and after delivery. We recognize that every breastfeeding/pumping journey looks different and we are here to support whatever yours looks like!

In-Hospital Lactation Support After delivery, our lactation consultants can help make sure that you are off to a good start. At ARMC we support and encourage breastfeeding in a variety of ways, including encouraging skin-to-skin time with your baby and offering assistance with positioning and latching. On all of our units, we support both breastfeeding and pumping. Our nurses in labor and delivery, mother/baby, and NICU are also trained to assist you with breastfeeding in the hospital and are available for support. We also have hospital grade pumps and supplies available on all of our units. If your child spends time in the NICU, our lactation consultants can help you navigate the best way to provide breast milk to your NICU baby and will continue to provide support for the entire time your baby is in the NICU, even after you have been discharged. Outpatient Lactation Program Outpatient consultations with a certified lactation consultant are offered at select APG OB/GYN offices and are available by appointment. We provide breastfeeding support before and after childbirth on an outpatient basis and will work with you to achieve your breast milk feeding goals. If you have questions before delivery, our outpatient consultants are happy to meet with you prior to baby’s birth. Breastfeeding and Childbirth Education Programs We offer prenatal, childbirth, breastfeeding and baby care classes. Our classes are led by certified educators. Class topics include: breastfeeding, baby basics, childbirth, and having a healthy pregnancy.