Breastfeeding Support

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, then continued breastfeeding after the introduction of complementary foods through at least the first year. Ultimately, you choose how you want to feed your baby, whether you want to exclusively breastfeed, breast and formula feed, or exclusively formula feed.

At St. Rose Dominican, we are committed to respecting whichever choice is right for you and your family. If your plan is to breastfeed, our nursing staff will help you and baby get started as soon as possible after birth, and our staff of Board Certified Lactation Consultants and Certified Lactation Counselors will continue to provide education and assistance throughout your hospital stay. In addition, all of our nurses have received additional education and training in lactation support. If your plan is to exclusively formula feed your baby, our nursing staff will make sure you are prepared with current information about the safe preparation of infant formula.

Skin-to-skin contact as soon as possible after delivery promotes bonding for both you and your baby, and is helpful in getting breastfeeding started. Regardless of your plans for feeding, you will be offered skin-to-skin contact with your baby as soon as possible after delivery. Skin-to-skin contact in the first hour of life and beyond, can help regulate your baby's body temperature, blood sugar levels, heart rate and breathing.

Certified Lactation Counselors from the WomensCare/Outreach Centers are also available Monday through Friday (hours vary daily depending on their schedules). These same Lactation Counselors are also available to see you after you leave the hospital. Please call 702.616.4910 or 702.616.4912 to make an appointment to see them or to ask any questions after you have been discharged. There are also numerous classes and mixers available at the WomensCare Centers.