Breastfeeding offers many benefits to both you and your baby. Even so, it can be one of the more difficult parts of being a new mom. Baystate’s specially trained nurses and certified lactation counselors understand, and they are on hand to help you start nursing comfortably and confidently.
Lactation nurses support you as you’re recovering from delivery, and even after you’ve returned home. We help new moms at every stage of their breastfeeding journey, answering questions about:
- Correct latching technique
- Stimulating your milk flow
- Best breastfeeding positions
- Breast pumps
- Sore nipples and clogged ducts
- Engorgement
- Nutrition while you’re breastfeeding
- The safety of medication while breastfeeding
- Continuing to breastfeed when you return to work
- Tips for introducing a bottle
- How partners can support a breastfeeding mom
Download our Breastfeeding Consultation Services book — a detailed guide to breastfeeding, the first 24 hours as a new mom, how to care for your breasts as you nurse, and your baby’s growth.
LACTATION SERVICES AT BAYSTATE HEALTH
Baystate Health lactation specialists offer support to new moms after delivery, including lactation consultation, breastfeeding classes, and home or telehealth visits for new moms.
Lactation Consultation
If you answer "no" to any of the following questions — or have any other concerns — call a lactation consultant at Baystate.
- Is your baby latching to the breast?
- Does your baby feed at least 8 times in 24 hours?
- Is your baby having at least 6-8 pale yellow wet diapers per day?
- Have your baby's stools changed from black to yellow by day 6?
- Is your baby having at least 2 stools per day?
- Do you notice your baby swallowing when breastfeeding?
- Are your nipples free from extreme soreness or cracking by day 7-10?
Talk to a Lactation Specialist
413-794-5312 (Springfield)
413-773-2359 (Greenfield)
Breastfeeding Classes and Groups
Baystate Medical Center and Baystate Franklin Medical Center offer breastfeeding classes and groups. Find a class or group now.
Inpatient/Post-Delivery Lactation Support
Experienced lactation experts are available at both Wesson Women & Infants' Unit at Baystate Medical Center and The Birthplace at Baystate Franklin Medical Center.
Breastfeeding may be a natural function, but it does not always come naturally for mom or baby. Our experts can help you learn quickly how to make it a healthy and rewarding experience for you and your baby.
Free One-Time Telehealth or In-Home Lactation Support
In partnership with Welcome Family, Baystate Medical Center now offers one-time home visits from an experienced nurse/lactation consultant.
The program is for any mom with a newborn regardless of income, age, or how many children you’ve had before.
You're Eligible if You:
- Are a mom of a newborn, regardless of your income, age, or how many children you've had before
- Live in Springfield or Holyoke or delivered your newborn at Baystate Medical Center and live in a surrounding community
- Are up to 8 weeks postpartum
Schedule Your Home or Telehealth Visit
Call or text "WF" to 508-498-9723 or complete our online form.
Register
What to Expect
During your visit, you’ll have up to 90 minutes with an experienced nurse who understands what you’re going through and who is there to answer your questions.
You and your newborn will receive a clinical assessment, and you’ll get information about:
Frequently Asked Questions