Breastfeeding has positive health benefits for moms and infants. Cone Health Women's & Children's Centers are pleased to offer the full range of breastfeeding support, services and resources to our moms who are considering or choosing to breastfeed. Our Breastfeeding Consultation Services help you and your baby every step of the way, so you have a successful, meaningful breastfeeding experience.
Why Breastfeed?
For moms and babies alike, breastfeeding has health benefits. Breastfeeding gives your baby the very best nourishment, and may protect your baby against certain diseases, too.
Your breast milk is rich in nutrients and antibodies, and changes as your baby grows. Also, for most babies, and in particular premature babies, breast milk may be easier to digest than formula. Finally, the cells, hormones and antibodies in breast milk offer protection against certain illnesses and diseases, too.
In addition to the loving relationship you develop while breastfeeding, many moms say life is a bit easier and less costly when you breastfeed. Breastfeeding can enhance bonding time with your newborn, make you feel calmer, and may offer health benefits against diabetes, some cancers and postpartum depression as well.
Breastfeeding Consultation Services
Breastfeeding is a very special time for you, your baby and your family. Our Breastfeeding Consultation Services at the Women's & Children's Centers help you and your baby have a successful, meaningful breastfeeding experience.
Our Certified Lactation Consultants offer a number of programs and educational services during your pregnancy, while you are staying at the hospital, and even after your return home. We welcome you to contact our consultants with any questions you may have concerning breastfeeding.
Consultations are available prior to birth and throughout your breastfeeding experience. To learn more or set up an in-person or telephone consultation with our International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, call:
- Alamance Regional: (336) 538-7387
- Moses Cone Hospital: (336) 832-6860
Inpatient Breastfeeding Services
During your stay, you will receive breastfeeding support from your care team, which includes your registered nurses, International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) and you and your baby’s health care provider. This team approach ensures you are comfortable, confident and supported in working toward your breastfeeding goals.
If your baby is in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, your care nurses and Lactation Consultants can assist you with establishing your milk supply while your baby is receiving medical care. Once your baby is able to start feeding from the breast, our Lactation Consultants can assist you and your baby with breastfeeding.
Outpatient Breastfeeding Consultation
After being discharged from the hospital, if you require additional assistance with breastfeeding, we will set up an outpatient appointment for you, your baby, and if you like, your support person. Contact a Lactation Consultant at:
- Alamance County - Alamance Regional: (336)-538-7387
- Guilford County - MedCenter for Women: (336) 890-3200, option 4.
Donor Human Milk
What is it?
Donated milk That is, pasteurized or heat treated comes from a certified milk bank. The special pasteurization is safe for all babies and kills known harmful viruses and bacteria.
Benefits
The use of donor human milk supports the overall growth and development. As well as boosts the baby's ability to fight infection, donor human milk is also easy to digest and has been shown to reduce the length of hospital stay.
The Cone Health Advantage
Cone Health Recognizes breast milk is the best first medicine for. All newborns We are committed to giving babies born in our hospitals the best start in life by covering the costs of human donor milk while patients are hospitalized.
When is it recommended?
The birthing person's own milk is always preferred. When this is not available, donor human milk is the next best option in order to meet the nutritional needs of your baby.
Are there alternatives?
Infant formula is an alternative to donor human milk if the mother's own milk is not available. However, infant formula does not offer the same protective factors found in human milk. Please consult with your medical team when choosing alternatives to breast milk. We do not recommend unpasteurized breast milk that is not from a certified milk bank.
A signed consent is required to receive supplementation with donor human milk. Your nurse will talk with you about the consenting process.
What if I have more questions?
Talk with your nurse, doctor, nurse practitioner, lactation consultant or any member of your medical team if you have questions about the use of donor human milk. You can also learn more about banked donor milk from the Human Milk Banking Association of North America.
Additional Breastfeeding Resources
These additional resources can help you on your path to a successful breastfeeding experience.
