St. Mary's Hospital - Decatur Services Women's Health Having A Baby Breastfeeding Support

Breastfeeding Support

Our Maternity Services team has helped thousands of new moms establish tender, loving breastfeeding relationships with their babies. We encourage skin-to-skin contact between mom and baby immediately upon birth to enhance bonding and breastfeeding. In addition to our experienced nurses, we have International Board Certified Lactation Consultants on staff for individual consultations during your hospital stay. Our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC), can be reached Monday through Friday at 217-464-2334.


Breast Pumps & Equipment

 

Our specialists can provide information on the types of breast pumps, rental locations and where they can be purchased. They can also offer strategies on how best to combine breastfeeding, returning to work and pumping. Information is also available about state and federal laws for nursing mothers in the workplace.

 

Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding

 

The Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding also must be successfully implemented in order to receive the honor of being internationally recognized as a Baby-Friendly Hospital. 

At St. Mary's our goal is to encourage and assist new moms with breastfeeding because of the extensive health benefits for mothers and babies. We also understand and respect the mother's choice to not breastfeed and we are honored to give you and your baby the best experience possible. 

For more information on the vision of the Baby Friendly Initiative or for the health benefits of breastfeeding visit www.babyfriendlyusa.org.