Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Support and Education at Cooley Dickinson

Helping You Get the Skills to Feel Comfortable Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Your Baby

Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s Childbirth Center is committed to educating and supporting families with infant feeding. Services are provided by International Board Certified Lactation Consultants.

To speak with a lactation specialist, call 413- 582-2096.


Cooley Dickinson earns baby-friendly designationCooley Dickinson’s Childbirth Center is a BABY FRIENDLY facility.  To learn more about how this benefits infants and families click HERE.

 

 

 

 


PRENATAL BREASTFEEDING/CHESTFEEDING EDUCATION

Breastfeeding/chestfeeding education is part of the 5 week Basics of Childbirth Education and Relaxation for Birth Virtual Class.  One session will cover breastfeeding/chestfeeding 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/CHESTFEEDING 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/CHESTFEEDING 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 with 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.

 

The following pumps are typically available:

Spectra S2

Spectra 9

Ameda Finesse

Medela Pump In Style with MaxFlow

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.

Hand Expression of Breastmilk

Hand Expression of Breastmilk (VIDEO)

Breastfeeding In The First Hour

What To Expect In The First Weeks

Breastfeeding In the Workplace

Local Breastfeeding Support Resources

Calming a Fussy Baby (Dr. Harvey Karp)

 

A Learning Experience

Every family will be given A New Beginning: A Guide for Postpartum And Newborn Care during their postpartum stay on the Childbirth Center. This book is a wonderful resource and includes several topics related to breastfeeding/chestfeeding.

Download the related app, CCI AR, through iTunes or Google play, for interactive learning once you receive the book.

Download the App for Apple/iPhone
Download the App for Apple/iPhone/iPad
Download the App for Google/Android
Download the App for Google/Android

Cooley Dickinson Hospital was named a Best Maternity Hospital 2022 by Newsweek magazine. This award is presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider.