Breastfeeding

Your decision to breastfeed is a healthy, rewarding beginning for you and your baby. Every mother has a different experience with breastfeeding—some find it very natural and easy, others may go through an adjustment period. The experts at The Christ Hospital Health Network are here to support you through the breastfeeding process so both you, and your newborn, have a successful experience.

Benefits of breastfeeding

Breastfeeding benefits both mom and baby in different ways. Those benefits include:

For Mom

Breastfeeding may make it easier to lose the weight you gained during pregnancy
Women who breastfeed longer have lower rates of Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure
Women who breastfeed have lower rates of breast cancer and ovarian cancer
Breastfeeding triggers the release of oxytocin that causes the uterus to contract and may decrease the amount of bleeding you have after giving birth

For Baby

Breast milk has the right amount of fat, sugar, water, protein, and minerals needed for a baby's growth and development
Breast milk is easier to digest than formula, and breastfed babies have less gas, fewer feeding problems, and less constipation
Breast milk contains antibodies that protect infants from certain illnesses such as ear infections. diarrhea, respiratory illnesses, and allergies
Breastfed infants have a lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
If your baby is born preterm, breast milk can help reduce the risk of many of the short-term and long-term health problems

You can view all of the benefits of breastfeeding here.

Breastfeeding classes

You may not be thinking about breastfeeding yet, but it is best to prepare while you are still pregnant. The Christ Hospital offers free breastfeeding classes to our expectant moms. You will learn about baby positioning, latch-on techniques, bonding, father involvement, guidance for working mothers, trouble-shooting and pumping techniques. Both parents are encouraged to attend. Sign up for a breastfeeding class today!

Inpatient breastfeeding consultation

As a patient in one of our birthing centers, you'll be visited by one of our International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants. They are available to assist you with any breastfeeding issues you have during your hospital stay and discuss with you any concerns or questions you may have.

Outpatient breastfeeding support

Once you've gone home, you may have more questions or concerns about how your breastfeeding is progressing. Our consultants are available to answer your questions over the phone, or if you need a little more help, you can schedule an outpatient appointment with one of our lactation consultants.

The cost of an outpatient lactation appointment is $145, which is covered by Medicaid and many HMOs with a physician's referral. Appointments are available 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays and Sundays as needed. After you go home, telephone support is available by calling 513-585-0597 (Mt. Auburn) , 513-648-7671 (Liberty) or by emailing lactation@TheChristHospital.com.

The Christ Hospital hosts breastfeeding support groups for pregnant and breastfeeding moms to discuss any questions or concerns they may have with other moms or moms-to-be . The group is led by an International Board-Certified Lactation consultant who specializes in feeding infants.

Breastfeeding supplies

Breastfeeding can often seem like a 24 hour a day process. Ninety percent of breastfeeding moms use a breast pump and The Christ Hospital Health Network makes it easier for you to do this by offer breast pump rentals and sales in our Expressions & More breastfeeding supply store on the 9th floor South in our postpartum unit of the hospital. We also offer apparel and a variety of breast care products for breastfeeding moms. Check out our Expressions breastfeeding supply store.

Additional breastfeeding support

Download a free comprehensive resource guide or request it by calling 513-585-0597. Printed copies are available through your nurse or lactation consultant.

The Christ Hospital offers many resources to help you succeed at breastfeeding. Wondering which resource is best for you? Not sure where to start? Contact our ezCare Concierge nurse navigator, a free, confidential service designed to help you navigate the best next steps for you and your health. She can talk through your concerns and help guide you on the best places to go to help you with breastfeeding your baby.

Breastmilk donation

The Christ Hospital birthing centers in Mt. Auburn and Liberty Township have been chosen as breastmilk donation centers for the OhioHealth Mother's Milk Bank in Columbus.

The OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank, under the guidelines of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA), provides pasteurized human milk to those infants whose mothers are unable to provide milk to nourish their babies. It is one of just 32 milk banks in North America.

For more information on the benefits of breast milk, how to become a breastmilk donor and the OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank, click here.

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