Comprehensive Breastfeeding Support for New Mothers
Recognizing the significant physical and emotional benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby, Loyola Medicine offers comprehensive lactation services to support new mothers.
Loyola University Medical Center is designated a Baby-Friendly Hospital, meaning that our medical center has been recognized for providing optimal care for infant feeding and mother-baby bonding. In addition, our nurses have earned Magnet status, which means they have been recognized for delivering the highest level of care.
Experienced Lactation Consultants
Loyola Medicine has experienced lactation consultants to guide new mothers as they learn to breastfeed their babies. From proper breastfeeding techniques to using breast pumps, our lactation consultants can provide the support you need.
Contact a Loyola lactation consultant if you have any questions regarding breastfeeding: 708-216-3592.
Why Breastfeed Your Baby?
Breastfeeding fosters early bonding and aids recovery from pregnancy and delivery stresses. It provides infants with essential nutrients, including colostrum, which contains antibodies that reduce the risk of ear infections, respiratory illnesses, asthma, allergies, diarrhea, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
For mothers, breastfeeding promotes faster recovery to pre-pregnancy weight, lessens vaginal bleeding, and helps the uterus return to its normal size more quickly. Additionally, it lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, diabetes, osteoporosis, and depression.
Breastfeeding Classes and Support
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, continuing breastfeeding with appropriate solid foods after 6 months, and continuing for two years or until mutually desired by parent and child.
Explore our infant care classes
Breastfeeding Resources
Explore a variety of breastfeeding resources designed for expectant mothers. From understanding the benefits of breastfeeding with diabetes to tips for breastfeeding multiples, each resource provides essential information tailored to different stages of pregnancy and early motherhood. Download each guide to ensure you and your baby have the best start together.
If you are planning to deliver at Loyola, you will receive in-person education at each of your prenatal visits. You may ask for a paper copy of these resources below, if you prefer.
Breastfeeding with Diabetes
Understand how breastfeeding positively affects insulin response, stabilizes your baby's blood sugar, and discover tips for a successful breastfeeding journey.
Download
Breastfeeding Multiples
Breastfeeding multiples offers vital health benefits for both you and your babies, even if it presents challenges. Discover how to ensure a sufficient milk supply and effective feeding techniques.
Download
Week 6-12
Discover what it means for Loyola to be a Baby-Friendly hospital, dedicated to supporting breastfeeding and providing families with unbiased, evidence-based information.
Download
Week 12-16
Learn about the Golden Hour, the first hour of your baby's life, where skin-to-skin contact fosters bonding and initiates breastfeeding. Discover the benefits of rooming-in and early feeding.
Download
Week 16 – 20
Learn about colostrum, hand expression, and cue-based feeding to enhance your breastfeeding journey and ensure your baby gets the best start.
Download
Week 20-24
Discover the essentials of good breastfeeding positioning to ensure comfort for you and effective feeding for your baby. Learn how to create the best setup for success.
Download
Week 24-28
Recognize the importance of latching for successful breastfeeding, including tips for achieving a deep latch to prevent discomfort. Discover signs of a good latch and when to seek help.
Download
Week 28-32
Understand the risks of giving your baby anything other than breastmilk, which can impact health and milk supply. Learn how to recognize adequate feeding and when to introduce pacifiers for SIDS prevention.
Download
Week 32-36
This page serves as a recap of essential breastfeeding tips shared throughout your journey The first few weeks can be challenging, but remember to utilize your Loyola Medicine lactation consultant.
Download
Week 36-40
As you prepare for your newborn, review breastfeeding information. You will receive a helpful booklet after birth. For questions, speak with a nurse or call 708-216-4033. Contact Loyola Lactation Services at 708-216-3592 for support at any time.
Download
Recommended Resources for Nursing Mothers
What to Expect with Lactation Services
Loyola’s lactation consultants, who are nurses, will visit you in your hospital room to assist you with effective nursing techniques and other breastfeeding tips, such as helping your baby latch properly. Your lactation consultant will help you find the most comfortable breastfeeding position, whether it be the cradle hold, football position, cross-cradle or side-lying. They can help you get comfortable while nursing, using a pillow or support to properly position your baby.
If you are pumping in the hospital, your lactation consultant will answer your questions about when and how often to pump and feed your baby. New moms with infants in the neonatal intensive care unit also are encouraged to meet with a lactation specialist.
Our skilled and compassionate lactation consultants can answer your questions about:
- Breastfeeding techniques
- Breast milk storage
- Common breastfeeding problems, like sore nipples, and their remedies
- Continuing to breastfeed while working outside the home
- Health benefits of breastfeeding
- How breastfeeding changes a woman’s body
- Use of breast pumps
If you would like to speak with a lactation specialist after discharge from the hospital, please call our helpline at 708-216-3592 from 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, and ask for the Birth Center. One of our consultants will return your call.
