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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.

Breastfeeding is natural, but does that mean it's always easy?

Reviewed 2/8/2023

BREASTFEEDING QUIZ

TRUE OR FALSE?

Breastfeeding offers many benefits for you and your baby. Learn more about them by taking this quiz.

START THE QUIZ

True or false?: Breastfeeding is second nature to new moms.

False. Breastfeeding is natural, but it isn't always easy. Many moms need help at first. Peer counselors, nurses, doctors and certified lactation consultants can show you what you need to know.

True or false? Breastfed babies are less likely to get sick.

True. Breast milk contains antibodies that protect babies from infections. Breastfed infants are protected from illnesses like ear infections, diarrhea and respiratory illnesses. They're also less likely to have allergies.

True or false? Breastfeeding can help new moms lose baby weight faster.

True. Breastfeeding helps burn excess calories. This helps you return to your pre-pregnancy weight more quickly. Breastfeeding also helps shrink your uterus down to normal size after childbirth. And it may lower your risk for diabetes, breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

True or false? Moms should not breastfeed past six months.

False. Exclusive breastfeeding is best for the first six months of a baby's life. But breastfeeding should continue up to a baby's first birthday, even as they start eating other foods. Breastfeeding can continue for as long as mom and baby would like.

True or false? It's normal for breastfeeding to be uncomfortable.

False. It's common to have some discomfort for a few days when you first start breastfeeding. But the right positioning and technique should help you avoid issues like sore nipples. If you have discomfort, talk to a lactation consultant or another healthcare provider.

Should babies sleep on their backs or their tummies? Is it normal for a baby to sleep for just one or two hours? Find answers to these questions by taking our Babies quiz.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Sources: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; American Pregnancy Association; March of Dimes

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.