Lactation consultants support a healthy start
Deciding to breastfeed is a personal choice you make for you and your baby. Sometimes breastfeeding can be uncomfortable or your baby may not latch, but we're here for you. Ascension Saint Thomas maternity and postpartum services offer breastfeeding support at your baby’s birth, and, we continue to provide outpatient breastfeeding clinic services after you take your baby home. Our care team listens to understand you and your baby’s needs. Then we deliver care that’s right for your family.
Our services include:
- Pre-delivery virtual breastfeeding consults
- Pre-delivery breastfeeding classes
- Breast pump rental, information and support, including flange fit
- Daily inpatient postpartum lactation support
- Outpatient virtual breastfeeding consults
- Outpatient clinic consults for feed/baby weight check and individualized plan
- Milk Depot donor collection sites at Midtown and Rutherford
Breastfeeding helps give your baby a healthy start. Breast milk is full of antibodies to help your baby fight off infection, and it has essential nutrients for your baby’s growth and development. We understand that breastfeeding does not always come easy. At Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown Breastfeeding Outreach Clinic, your care team helps you and your baby with breastfeeding.
Even after you leave the hospital, our breastfeeding clinic care team continues to provide care and support. If you have questions or need breastfeeding help while you’re at home, call 615-284-2055 or self schedule online.
Virtual Breastfeeding Appointments
Our lactation consultants offer virtual care (e.g, telehealth or online) as part of your ongoing care. Call 615-284-2055 or self-schedule online here.
Breastfeeding classes
During pregnancy, prenatal breastfeeding classes are offered for expecting parents. After your baby is born, our care team provides breastfeeding support services at our outpatient breastfeeding clinic. We also encourage you to discuss any concerns with your OB-GYN and pediatrician.
Classes cover topics such as:
- Breastfeeding accessories: breast pumps, freezing breast milk and wardrobe
- Lactation consultant
- Latching techniques
- Mother’s postpartum care
Specialty care to prevent poor weight gain
Our breastfeeding care team also provides specialty care for babies with special needs. Infants born premature or with a genetic or craniofacial condition, such as cleft palate or Down syndrome, may experience challenges during breastfeeding. Our care team works with you to deliver the nutrition your baby needs to support healthy weight gain and development.
Paying attention to your needs as a mother
Our goal is to support mom and baby with compassionate care. If you are experiencing discomfort during latching and pain while breastfeeding, we’re here to help. As a woman, your nutrition is very important — especially while breastfeeding. Breast milk supply can be affected by diet, hormone imbalance, stress, anxiety and more. Ascension Saint Thomas provides specialty care for your emotional and physical health needs. We offer a network of doctors and specialists for your family’s health.