Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding benefits both mom and baby in different ways.

Benefits for Mom

• Breastfeeding triggers the release of oxytocin that causes your uterus to contract and may decrease the amount of bleeding you have after giving birth. 
• Breastfeeding may make it easier to lose the pregnancy weight you gained. 
• The longer you breastfeed is shown to lower your risk of having Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. 
• Breastfeeding lowers your risk of having breast cancer and ovarian cancer. 

Benefits for Baby

• Breast milk has the right amount of fat, sugar, water, protein, and minerals needed for your baby's growth and development. 
• Breast milk is easier for your baby to digest than formula, and breastfed babies have less gas, fewer feeding problems, and less constipation. 
• Breast milk contains antibodies that protect your infant 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 their risk of many associated short-term and long-term health problems. 

Breastfeeding Classes

It’s helpful to think about breastfeeding while you’re still pregnant. We offer free breastfeeding classes to expectant moms. 
 
You’ll learn about baby positioning, latch-on techniques, bonding, father involvement, what to do as a working mom, trouble-shooting, and pumping techniques. Both parents are encouraged to attend. You can sign up today.

Lactation Consultation

You can consult one of our International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) when you’re still a patient and after you’ve returned home with your baby.

Consultation for Inpatients

As a patient at one of our birthing centers, you'll be visited by one of our IBCLC. They’re available to assist you with any breastfeeding issues you have during your hospital stay. You also can discuss any concerns or questions you have.

Consultation for Outpatients

Once you've gone home, you may have more questions or concerns about how your breastfeeding is progressing. Our lactation consultants are available to answer your questions over the phone. 

Or if you need a little more help, you can schedule an appointment. You can schedule outpatient lactation appointments from 9 am to 2 pm, Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays and Sundays as needed. 

To schedule an appointment with a lactation consultant, call 513-585-0597 (Mt. Auburn), 513-648-7671 (Liberty), or email lactation@TheChristHospital.com. 

The cost of an appointment is $145, which is covered by Medicaid and many HMOs with a physician referral. 

Breastfeeding Support Groups

We host breastfeeding support groups for pregnant and breastfeeding moms, so you can discuss any questions or concerns you have with other moms in a supportive environment. The group is led by an IBCLC who specializes in feeding infants.

You’ll find the breastfeeding support groups offer: 

• A variety of educational topics discussed
• A safe space for you to meet other mothers and share tips
• A relaxed and fun atmosphere
• Refreshments at every session

Some moms come with their babies regularly. Other moms just come when they have a particular question or breastfeeding challenge.  

The breastfeeding support groups are available at our Mt. Auburn campus and Liberty Township center on Tuesdays, at 10 am. The location alternates each week. 

If you’d like to attend, registering is encouraged but not required. 

Breastfeeding Supplies

Breastfeeding can often seem like a 24-hour a day process. Ninety percent of breastfeeding moms use a breast pump. So, we make that easier for you by offering breast-pump rentals and sales in our Expressions and More store. 

Products Offered

You’ll find the following products at our Expressions and More store:

• Ameda breastfeeding pumps and products: Ameda breast pumps feature fully independent CustomControl™ settings for speed and suction. Dual adjustability lets you select the best levels for your milk flow and comfort. 
  
  The Ameda Platinum® Breast Pump is a closed system, multi-user pump intended to help you achieve more milk flow by letting you safely and effectively express and store your milk when you’re unable to breastfeed. The Platinum pump is our top-of-the line product built for clinical use, but it’s also available for moms to rent and use in their own homes. 
• Hospital-grade pumps: If you want to start right away, hospital-grade pumps are available at no additional cost and can be delivered to your room while you’re still a patient. 
• Disposable and washable bra pads 
• Hydro gel pads 
• Lanolin 
• Breastfeeding clothing, like comfort bras, sleep bras, and camisoles 
• Sleep sacks: To reduce infant-mortality rates, we support safe-sleep initiatives for babies. We provide each family with a sleep sack to use at home. You can purchase additional sleep sacks, in blue, pink, or cream for $20 each. 

Store Locations 

Mt. Auburn
2139 Auburn Avenue, 9th floor
Cincinnati OH 45219
513-585-0597 

Liberty  
6939 Cox Road, 3rd floor
Liberty Township, OH 45069
513-648-7671 

Donating Breastmilk

It’s helpful for you to know that our birthing centers in Mt. Auburn and Liberty Township have been chosen as breastmilk donation centers for the OhioHealth Mother's Milk Bank in Columbus. It’s one of just 32 milk banks in North America. 

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.  

You can visit OhioHealth Mother's Milk Bank website if you may need the milk bank’s services or if you want to become a breast-milk donor. 

Breastfeeding Guide

Download our Breastfeeding Guide to have a handy copy of useful information.