Breastfeeding can take time to figure out, especially during the first few days after delivery. A baby may have trouble latching, feeding may feel uncomfortable, or a new mother may simply have questions about whether her baby is getting enough milk.
At University Medical Center of El Paso (UMC), mothers can get breastfeeding support during their hospital stay and after they go home. UMC has 16 Certified Lactation Counselors (CLC) and one International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), while registered nurses receive at least 20 hours of lactation education.
What Can a Lactation Consultant Help With?
A lactation consultant can work with a mother and baby directly to identify feeding challenges and provide hands-on guidance.
During a visit, support may include:
- Helping with latch and positioning: Finding a comfortable position and helping the baby latch properly.
- Answering feeding questions: Discussing feeding patterns, frequency, and other questions that come up during the first days with a newborn.
- Addressing breastfeeding concerns: Getting help when breastfeeding is uncomfortable or when a mother is concerned about how feeding is going.
- Preparing for breastfeeding: Mothers can meet with UMC’s lactation specialists before delivery to learn what to expect and ask questions.
You do not have to wait until there is a major problem to ask for help. If you are unsure about feeding your baby, ask your care team for guidance.
What Support Is Available at the Hospital?
During a delivery at UMC, lactation support is available during the hospital stay. UMC also uses Mother-Baby Couplet Care, which means mothers and babies remain together in the same room throughout their stay.
This gives mothers more opportunities to learn their baby’s feeding patterns and practice feeding with support from their care team. UMC also encourages skin-to-skin contact after birth when possible.
What Happens After You Go Home?
UMC provides continued lactation support through its Women’s Health Clinics, so mothers can access breastfeeding guidance after delivery as they adjust to feeding at home.
If you are preparing for delivery, it will be helpful to ask your provider before your due date:
- How can I request to meet with a lactation consultant?
- Where can I get breastfeeding support after leaving the hospital?
- What should I do if breastfeeding is painful or is my baby having trouble latching?
- Who should I contact if I have questions after I return home?
For mothers delivering at UMC, lactation support is available before delivery, during the hospital stay and through postpartum care. That means you can ask questions before your baby arrives and continue getting guidance after you return home.
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