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Breastfeeding Support and Education at Cooley Dickinson
Helping You Get the Skills to Feel Comfortable Breastfeeding Your Baby
Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s Childbirth Center is committed to educating and supporting moms who breastfeed their babies. Services are provided by International Board Certified Lactation Consultants.
To speak with a lactation specialist, call 413- 582-2096.
Cooley Dickinson’s Childbirth Center is a BABY FRIENDLY facility. To learn more about how this benefits infants and families click HERE.
PRENATAL BREASTFEEDING EDUCATION
Breastfeeding education is part of the 5 week Basics of Childbirth Education and Relaxation for Birth Virtual Class. One session will cover breastfeeding education with a Lactation Specialist. You will have opportunities to have questions answered. You can register for this class HERE.
You can also now take the breastfeeding/chestfeeding portion of the above class independently, HERE.
Feel free to contact the lactation department before your baby is born with any questions you may have.
OUTPATIENT BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT
We offer support for you and your baby even after you are discharged from the hospital. Many questions can be answered with a simple telephone call. If further support is needed, we can schedule an appointment for a virtual or in-person visit and offer personalized, hands-on help.
Lactation specialists are available most days of the week. We are frequently out of the office working with families so leave us a message and we will return your call within 24 hours.
Please note, if you have a concern that is of an urgent nature, call your provider or family doctor.
Lactation can be reached at 413-582-2096.
The Lactation office is located on the first floor of the hospital across the hall from the Childbirth Center.
BREAST PUMPS AND BREASTFEEDING SUPPLIES
Call our office if you need assistance in renting a hospital grade breast pump. We do not rent pumps at Cooley Dickinson but can help connect you with appropriate services.
We can also offer support in where to purchase breastfeeding supplies in our community.
If you have not yet received your personal breast pump through insurance, the lactation specialists can help you with this while you are with us on the childbirth center. If you have questions regarding the insurance pump, please call our office.
If you are having technical trouble with your personal use pump, please contact the manufacturer through their website.
MEET OUR LACTATION SPECIALISTS
Lori Leistyna, IBCLC
Lisa Fitzgerald, OTR/L, IBCLC
Judy Hatch, RN, MSN, IBCLC
RESOURCES
The following are links to useful breastfeeding resources.
Breastfeeding In The First Hour
What To Expect In The First Weeks
Breastfeeding In the Workplace
Local Breastfeeding Support Resources
