Breastfeeding Services

Lactation consultants are trained healthcare professionals who help new moms navigate breastfeeding and any challenges that may arise. They often provide needed insight, advocacy, and emotional support throughout the process. Consultants can help with the following challenges:

• Inadequate milk supply
• Not latching
• Breast soreness or nipple pain
• Poor positioning
• Refusal to feed
• Lack of infant weight gain
• Mastitis or clogged milk ducts
• Falling asleep at the breast
• Engorgement 
• Issues with pumping

Studies have shown that meeting with a lactation consultant, even one time, can increase the duration of breastfeeding and lead to an overall positive experience with breastfeeding. It is recommended to meet with a lactation consultant before giving birth, immediately following birth, and after giving birth if and when issues arise. The frequency of lactation consultation depends on an individual’s specific needs, and sometimes it may only require one consultation. 

If a patient would like to seek lactation services before giving birth, we offer FREE in-person breastfeeding classes with our onsite Perinatal Educator and Lactation Consultant, Ashley Hoseclaw. 

Research shows there are many benefits of breastfeeding — for both moms and babies. According to the CDC, breastfeeding offers the following benefits: 

• Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies. As the baby grows, the mother's breast milk will change to meet her baby's nutritional needs. 
• Breastfeeding can help protect babies against some short-and-long-term illnesses and diseases. Breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfed babies are also less likely to have ear infections and stomach bugs.
• Breast milk shares antibodies from the mother with her baby. These antibodies help babies develop a strong immune system and protect them from illnesses.
• Mothers can breastfeed anytime and anywhere. Mothers can feed their babies on the go without worrying about having to mix formula or prepare bottles. When traveling, breastfeeding can also provide a source of comfort for babies whose normal routine is disrupted.
• Breastfeeding can reduce the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. Breastfeeding has health benefits for the mother too! Some cancers, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure are less common among women who breastfeed.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months, and then continuing breastfeeding while introducing complementary foods until a child is 12 months old or older. You can read the full recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

When you have a baby at Lake Cumberland, you won’t be left to figure out breastfeeding on your own. Our lactation consultants and counselors are here to help moms and babies get off to a great start. Our services include: 

• FREE Classes and Education 
  • Before baby arrives, expectant mothers can learn important breastfeeding basics at any of our monthly classes.
  • Register for classes here. 
• In-Hospital Guidance
  • Our IBCLC and lactation specialists visit every mom shortly after delivery, answering questions and providing one-on-one coaching to maximize breastfeeding efforts during a hospital stay. 
• Personalized Follow-Up
  • Once discharged, patients have access to reach out to our lactation consultant once they are home and settled if challenges arise or they wish to receive additional support.