Breastfeeding Services

Memorial Hospital of Carbondale has the highest level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.

The Birthing Center respects the mothers’ choices for feeding their babies. However, we strongly support breastfeeding. Our lactation team includes Certified Lactation Counselors (CLC) that make regular round in The Birthing Center and Mother Baby units. All mothers choosing to breastfeed will have the opportunity to consult with one of our Lactation counselors. However, all of our nurses are well trained to assist our mothers with feedings.

Our counselors can also provide information on 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 and school.

Breastfeeding – Getting Started:

Breastfeeding Your Baby During Your Stay

For our mothers who wish to breastfeed their babies, we strongly support their efforts and encourage them to begin breastfeeding as soon as possible after delivery. Including providing skin to skin directly after delivery of your newborn. All mothers choosing to breastfeed will have the opportunity to consult with one of our CLC specialist. However, all of our nurses are well trained to assist our mothers with feedings.

The first hour of your baby’s life is golden . . . .

The first hour after your baby is born is commonly known as The Golden Hour. It’s the very first time mommy, partner, and baby spend together as a family. The Birthing Center staff at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale understands that is this a once in a lifetime event and needs to be celebrated!

If medically stable, upon delivery, your baby will immediately be placed on your chest for skin-to-skin contact. This skin-to-skin contact will help with the baby’s body temperature, heart rhythm, and breathing. It is also a wonderful time for bonding and introductions.

Our wish is for you to have a quiet and peaceful moment to bond with your new baby. After this time alone, we welcome you to invite family and friends to meet your beautiful bundle of joy.

During this time, your nurses will monitor both you and your baby. If no problems arise, your baby may remain with you. Moms will immediately see their baby following a Cesarean delivery, then a nurse and your partner will take the baby to the recovery room to await your arrival.

During The Golden Hour, you will bond with your baby and breastfeed. Out staff will complete a physical assessment of baby, monitor vital signs, and continue our care for you both.

Breastfeeding: Continuing the journey of your breastfeeding Goal

Outpatient Lactation Appointments

If you are feeling unsure or nervous about your breastfeeding experience while at home, talk to your doctor, pediatrician, or call the Lactation Counselors at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale today. Trust that you can grow a healthy baby and also feed your baby too! Don’t settle for second best. Breast is best!

Why a Breastfeeding Consultation?

You may need a consultation for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common are:

• Failure to latch or repeat difficulty latching on
• Multiple births (twins)
• Flat or inverted nipples
• Maternal history of breast surgery (reduction, augmentation, biopsy)
• Low or over-abundant milk supply
• Engorgement/sore nipples
• Sucking abnormalities
• Your infant shows little satisfaction in breastfeeding
• Infant graduated from Special Care, Term or Late Pre-term
• Returning to work and breastfeeding
• Infant shows slow eight gain in either the early days or later
• Weight check

Call for a private one-on-one lactation consultation to meet with your individual needs. These consultations are by appointment only. We will assess your baby, weigh him/her and screen for jaundice. If you are experiencing challenges, a further visit may be offered. This service is covered by most insurance companies including Medicaid.

Call 618.549.0721 Ext. 65217

Telephone support

The Lactation Office has a free advice line. You may leave a message for us any time as we’ll check messages frequently. Lactation Consultant will return your call. Other contact numbers may be provided during your hospital stay.

Call 618.549.0721 Ext. 65217 (M-F 7am-3:30pm) Or ext 65230 (Mother Baby Dept 24 hours)

Mommy & Me Support Group

This Mommy & Baby information & support group meeting the 3^rd Friday each month at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale in the OB Education Room on the 2^nd floor. It can also be viewed on Facebook Live through The Birthing Center Facebook page. For more information contact Mary at 618.549.0721 ext. 65252 or at Mary.Jarvis@sih.net

Baby’s Best Start Fair

This annual fair is celebrated to give the Baby’s Best Start. It is to kick off World Breastfeeding week and continue throughout the month. World Breastfeeding week (WBFW) was initiated by the World Breastfeeding Alliance in 1992.  Since then, the World Health Organization and UNICEF have partnered together to highlight the importance of providing infants around the world, with the healthiest and best start possible regarding infant feeding practices. WBFW is celebrated each year by approximately 120 countries around the world including the United States.

With the implementation of increased breastfeeding support, such as bf peer counselors, bf support groups, and baby friendly hospitals, we can increase the likelihood that families within our local communities are given the assistance they need to get their babies off to a healthy start.

This is also a chance for community vendors provide their information about the services they provide. Services like car seat safety, breastfeeding support, birth-to-three programs, and so much more.

Check out The Birthing Center’s Facebook Event page for more information.