Breastfeeding Support
Our Team
At WakeMed, we offer dedicated International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) seven days a week. Lactation consultants will visit you while you are a patient to provide uninterrupted physical and emotional breastfeeding support. Additionally, our nurses have breastfeeding training, so they can be of assistance to you as well. We will work with you to ensure your questions are answered and will provide you with evidence-based support in a way that is most comfortable for you and your baby.
What You'll Learn from Your Lactation Consultant
Our IBCLCs possess a wealth of knowledge and are widely known among our new breastfeeding mothers as a trusted resource. We believe that education, assistance and one-on-one support are essential to successful breastfeeding, whether you are holding your first child or your fourth. Every baby and family are different, and we are here to meet and exceed your and your baby's individual needs and goals.
Because breastfeeding can bring with it a lot of challenges, our goal is to be an expert resource for you during your baby's first few days of life. In addition to breastfeeding technique, you will learn many things from our lactation consultants and nursing staff such as:
- How to understand your baby's hunger cues and feeding behaviors
- The importance of early latching and/or breast stimulation to support milk production
- The benefits of skin-to-skin contact
- How to differentiate between non-nutritive and nutritive sucking
Benefits of Breastfeeding
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of your baby's life. We believe that breast milk is the purest and most nutritionally beneficial food that you can offer your baby. Breast milk contributes so much to a baby's health and development including reduction in allergies, a stronger immune system, and a reduction in illness and disease. Unlike formula, breast milk provides protection by the passage of antibodies in a mother's milk.
Additionally, human milk helps develop and promote a baby's gastrointestinal health. However, as a patient and a mother, you have the choice to breastfeed your baby or not. Whatever you choose, we will support your decision and help you care for your baby in every way that we possibly can.
Classes, Education & Support Groups
Even before the birth of your baby, we want to help you learn more about the benefits of breastfeeding and how to prepare to be successful. WakeMed offers a Breastfeeding class called "Breastfeeding: Getting a Great Start" at several of our area locations. Search Classes: WakeMed Birth and Family Education Classes 2025
Additionally, we host Breastfeeding Support Groups for moms who feel they will benefit from additional support and camaraderie, as well as the opportunity to speak and share with other moms.
Breast Pump Rental Program
WakeMed North Hospital offers a Breast Pump Rental Program through the hospital gift shop. Hospital grade Medela Symphony pumps are available for $85 (plus tax) for two-week rentals and $125 (plus tax) per month. Visit the gift shop or call for more information about availability and contract details.
Awards
WakeMed Women's Pavilion & Birthplace (Raleigh Campus & Cary Hospital) Granted International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) Care Award (Cary Hospital): The IBCLC Care Award recognizes hospitals, birthing facilities, and birthing services that have International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) and have a dedicated lactation support program available at least five days a week. Learn more in this video.
Four-Star Breastfeeding Designation (Raleigh Campus & North Hospital) from NC Maternity Center Breastfeeding-Friendly Designation Program: An initiative developed to recognize those maternity centers that have taken steps to promote, protect and support breastfeeding in their organization. Visit NC MCBFD for more information.