MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital provides expert lactation support, education and resources in Brunswick, Maine.
Nationally-recognized care for breastfeeding parents and babies
Breastfeeding is the most natural and nutritious way to encourage your child’s development. Your milk is a unique combination of fats, sugars, minerals, proteins, vitamins and enzymes—customized to promote your child’s growth. Nursing at the breast also enhances the bond between breastfeeding parents and their child.
MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital has been nationally recognized for our high-quality lactation care. Our expert team of board-certified lactation consultants and lactation consultants provide compassionate coaching and education that can help give your baby the best possible start in life.
Services
- Breastfeeding Prep Class: This free class covers the basics of breastfeeding with lots of time for individual questions. Partners are encouraged to attend. Register Now >
- Inpatient Rounds: A lactation consultant will visit breastfeeding families during their hospital stay to help with feedings and answer questions.
- Outpatient Visits: Lactation consultants are also available to meet with families after they leave the hospital to discuss issues with breastfeeding.
- Telephone Consults: Patients are encouraged to call our lactation consultants with questions or concerns. If there is an issue we can’t resolve over the phone, we may encourage an outpatient visit.
- Mother’s Circle: Our Mother's Circle support group meets twice a month. It is a fun, informal opportunity to meet other new mothers and talk about the joys and challenges of babies and motherhood. A lactation consultant is available for questions and to check your baby's weight. Registration is required for this free group.
- Breast Pump rentals: We offer Medela breast pump rentals and also carry many of the Medela accessory items such as pump kits, shells and supplemental feeders.
What is a lactation consultant?
A lactation consultant is a health care professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding. They have had specific education, a minimum of 2000 hours clinical experience working with breastfeeding families and have passed an exam sponsored by the International Board of Lactation Examiners. They are required to do continuing education and to retake the exam every 10 years.
Breastfeeding Education & Resources
Does breastfeeding hurt? Breastfeeding your baby should not hurt. Many breastfeeding parents describe it as a “firm tugging” while the baby feeds.
Check the shape of your nipple when the baby releases it. It should be the same shape as before you started the feeding. If it is compressed and flat. The baby is not latched on deep enough. Continuing to feed with a shallow latch is painful and may lead to nipple damage. Call our team for help.
How do I know the baby is getting enough? Babies that are feeding well are content after feedings and gain weight consistently. In the first few weeks babies eat 8-12 times in 24 hours and have a bowel movement with most feedings. The breast may feel firm and full before the feeding and should feel soft after the feeding.
Where can I find information about pumping and milk storage? Get detailed information here.
How do I measure for a nursing bra? Learn more.
https://acelleron.com/
Assistance with obtaining a breast pump at no or low cost
https://kellymom.com/
Trusted breastfeeding information
https://ibconline.ca/
The International Breastfeeding Center
https://www.bfar.org
Information about breastfeeding after breast surgery
Maine.gov: Breastfeeding
Resources and information about breastfeeding from the Maine CDC
- Oatmeal, almonds and hummus help you make more milk.
- Cold medications that are safe to take when pregnant may decrease your milk supply. Check with your provider or lactation consultant.
- Most newborns will swallow milk from a bottle after a feeding at the breast even if they are not hungry. So, bottle feeding is not a good way to evaluate effective breastfeeding.
Lactation Support at MaineHealth
Learn more about lactation support services at MaineHealth.