Welcome to Cape Fear Valley’s breastfeeding support services. We provide guidance and assistance to new moms navigating breastfeeding, latch difficulties, low milk supply and more.
What Breastfeeding Resources are Available at Cape Fear Valley Health?
Cape Fear Valley Health is dedicated to offering robust support to breastfeeding mothers. We believe that successful breastfeeding starts with the right resources and education.
Internationally Certified Lactation Consultants
We have internationally board-certified lactation consultants available seven days a week at our Medical Center. These specialists are trained to assist with both routine and specialized breastfeeding situations. Their guidance is available throughout your hospital stay and continues even after you've returned home.
How Do I Sign Up for a Breastfeeding Class?
Click here.
Telephone Assistance
If you have any questions or concerns about breastfeeding, our consultants are just a call away. This service ensures that you have breastfeeding support at your fingertips whenever you need it.
Outpatient Appointments
We understand that breastfeeding difficulties can arise after you've left the hospital. That's why we offer outpatient appointments to assist with any special needs or challenges you might encounter at home.
Breastfeeding Supplies
To further support your breastfeeding journey, we offer electric breast pumps and a range of nursing supplies. These are available for purchase at discounted prices in all three of our pharmacies.
Our commitment to you extends beyond your stay at the hospital. We aim to provide the resources you need for a successful breastfeeding experience.
What is a Lactation Consultant?
A lactation consultant is a certified healthcare professional specializing in breastfeeding. Their role is multifaceted, offering valuable assistance to mothers and infants.
Lactation consultants have an in-depth understanding of all things breastfeeding-related. They can address issues such as:
- Maintaining an adequate milk supply
- Healing sore nipples
- Achieving effective breastfeeding positions
Cape Fear Valley’s lactation consultants are certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. This certification reflects their comprehensive knowledge and expertise in breastfeeding support.
Besides assisting patients, our lactation consultants play a crucial role in training our staff, ensuring the entire team is equipped to provide optimal breastfeeding support.
Through their specialized training and experience, lactation consultants serve as vital resources for breastfeeding mothers.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a special bonding experience that offers numerous health benefits for both mother and baby. It's a beneficial choice that caters to the specific needs of a newborn while also providing advantages for the mother. Here are some of the remarkable benefits of breastfeeding:
Enhanced mother-baby bonding
In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on practices that can help strengthen the bond between mothers and their newborn babies. Techniques like skin-to-skin contact, also known as "kangaroo care", have been shown to release oxytocin in both the mother and child, promoting feelings of trust, attachment, and well-being.
Nutrient-rich milk
Breast milk is widely considered the gold standard for infant nutrition, providing a uniquely tailored blend of nutrients, antibodies, and other beneficial components. The composition of breast milk evolves to meet the changing needs of the growing baby. Early in lactation, colostrum is especially rich in immunoglobulins and other immune-boosting substances. As the milk transitions to mature breast milk, it becomes richer in fat, lactose, and a wide array of vitamins and minerals.
Boosts newborn immunity
Newborn babies are born with an immature immune system that requires special support in the early months of life. Fortunately, breast milk contains a wealth of immune-boosting properties that can help protect infants from illness. Breast milk is rich in antibodies, particularly secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), which coat the lining of the baby's intestinal and respiratory tracts, creating a first line of defense against pathogens.
Promotes healthy weight for baby
Maintaining a healthy weight is an important component of an infant's growth and development. Breast milk is an ideal source of nutrition to support appropriate weight gain in babies. The composition of breast milk adjusts dynamically to meet the child's energy and nutrient needs as they grow. Breast milk provides the right balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to fuel an infant's rapid growth while avoiding excessive weight gain.
Beneficial for the mother’s health
Breastfeeding not only nourishes the infant, but also confers significant health advantages for the mother. The act of nursing triggers the release of the hormone oxytocin, which facilitates uterine contractions to help the mother's uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size more quickly. Breastfeeding has also been shown to reduce a woman's risk of breast and ovarian cancer, as well as type 2 diabetes.
Economical and convenient
Breastfeeding offers substantial economic and practical advantages over formula feeding. Breast milk is a completely free and readily available food source, requiring no special preparation or equipment. This makes it an extremely cost-effective option, especially for families with limited resources. In contrast, the ongoing expenses of purchasing formula, bottles, and sterilizing supplies can add up quickly.