Feeding Your Baby
Cone Health Women's & Children's Centers are pleased to offer a full range of support, services and resources for feeding your newborn. We’re with you and your baby every step of the way so you have a successful, meaningful experience.
Choosing the Right Feeding Method
There are many options for feeding your baby: breastfeeding, donor human milk and infant formula. Be sure to talk to your care team about the best option for you and your baby. We’re here to help!
Breastfeeding Consultation Services
The 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 many programs and educational services during your pregnancy, while you are staying at the hospital and after your return home.
Breastfeeding Benefits
Breastfeeding has health benefits for moms and babies alike. Your breast milk is rich in nutrients that support your baby's growth. Breast milk can be easier to digest than formula, and the cells, hormones and antibodies in breast milk may protect your baby against certain illnesses and diseases.
Breastfeeding can also enhance bonding time with your newborn, may make you feel calmer and may benefit your health by reducing your risk of diabetes, some cancers and postpartum depression.
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 NICU, your care nurses and lactation consultants can assist you with establishing your milk supply while your baby is receiving medical care. Once your baby can start feeding from the breast, our lactation consultants can assist you and your baby with breastfeeding.
Outpatient Breastfeeding Services
After being discharged from the hospital, if you require additional assistance with breastfeeding, we will set up an outpatient appointment for you and your baby. Contact a lactation consultant at:
Donor Human Milk
When the mother’s own breastmilk is not available, donor human milk can be a good choice for your little one. It can support your newborn’s overall growth and development and boost your baby’s ability to fight infection. Donor human milk is also easy for your little one to digest. Donated human milk has been pasteurized or heat-treated and comes from a certified milk bank. The special pasteurization is safe for all babies and kills known harmful viruses and bacteria.
While patients with newborns are hospitalized after giving birth, donor human milk is available based on supply and patient eligibility. Your maternity care nurse will answer any questions you have to help you make the best choice for you and your baby.
For questions about donor human milk, contact us at perinatal.education@conehealth.com or by phone at:
- Women’s & Children’s Center at Alamance Regional Medical Center - (336) 538-7387
- Women’s & Children’s Center at Moses Cone Hospital - (336) 832-6955
Additional Resources
