Lactation Support
Breastfeeding is the ideal way to feed your baby. But it's not always easy. In fact, many moms have trouble breastfeeding. The lactation experts at Columbia Memorial Hospital are here to help.
Whether you're pregnant and gathering information, trying to get started breastfeeding your newborn or looking for help along the way, our team will provide the encouragement, advice and support you need.
You can count on us for care that includes:
- Help with all areas of breastfeeding, including how to hold the baby, latching on and ensuring that the baby gets enough milk.
- Guidance about breast care and the emotions tied to breastfeeding.
- Care for issues like the baby losing weight or mastitis.
- Support when you feel discouraged.
- Breastfeeding supplies, which are available at the CMH Outpatient Pharmacy.
Our certified lactation consultant and team
All of our labor and delivery nurses are trained in lactation. That means bedside support is available 24 hours a day in the CMH Family Birth Center.
Our board-certified lactation consultant sees new moms at the birth center and offers appointments five days a week at the CMH-OHSU Health Pediatric Clinic, as well. To make an appointment, call 503.325.7337.
IBCLC Care Award
We're pleased to have received the IBCLC Care Award, which acknowledges CMH's protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding. The award is given by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners and the International Lactation Consultant Association.
Breast milk donation
If breastfeeding isn't a possibility or isn't going well, there are other options. Donor milk is available to moms who deliver at CMH while they are in the hospital.
The Northwest Mother's Milk Bank makes breast milk donation a reality in our community. This nourishment is especially vital for premature and ill babies. CMH is pleased to be a milk donation drop-off site. If you'd like to become a milk donor, please call the CMH-OHSU Health Pediatric Clinic at 503.325.7337.