Because every mom and baby are unique, breastfeeding support is not a one-size-fits-all experience. That’s why Chesapeake Regional offers customized breastfeeding counseling from a team of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) for the entire breastfeeding journey.
An IBCLC is a health care professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding. They can be an excellent resource for new moms and can help expecting families prepare for breastfeeding. They provide support during and after labor until the child stops breastfeeding– including help working through the challenges new moms face.
At CRH lactation support is available when moms need it most.
During Pregnancy
Our team of lactation counselors can help expecting moms plan for everything they need to know about breastfeeding. They offer breastfeed-specific classes, as well as supplemental information on lactation during all prenatal classes. Individual prenatal counseling appointments are also available by calling 757-312-3159.
In the Hospital
The role of the IBCLC in the hospital is to ensure breastfeeding success for both mom and baby. As soon as an expectant mom arrives in the Labor and Delivery Unit, whether for delivery or an induction, daytime or overnight, she is paired with a certified lactation consultant. After delivery, the same consultant is assigned to mom on the Mother Baby Unit to provide continuity and a good breastfeeding foundation.
Our lactation consultants work closely with the on-call pediatrician to ensure the baby's needs are being met. If any interventions or supplementation are needed, the consultant collaborates with both mom and the pediatrician to devise a plan to assist.
The consultant also ensures mom is comfortable with nursing, and can help with any type of pain--whether it’s nipple pain from a bad latch, discomfort from engorgement or clogged ducts, or arm pain from poor positioning.
At Home
Breastfeeding at home can feel very different than in the hospital. At Chesapeake Regional we believe new moms should never be more than a phone call away from breastfeeding support. Phone and in-person support are always available. After discharge, an IBCLC will check in by calling mom within 72 hours.
Do you have a breastfeeding question?
Chesapeake Regional is the only hospital in the area to offer outpatient lactation counseling.
We are never more than a phone call away.
All new moms in the area are able to reach a lactation consultant on the phone seven days a week, from 7 am to 7 pm. These calls are free-of-charge, and moms (and their partners) can call as frequently as necessary. To visit with a certified lactation consultant call 757-312-3159.
Set up an in-person appointment to address a specific need.
If in-person lactation counseling follow-up is needed, an appointment with an IBCLC can be made Monday through Friday at Chesapeake Regional’s Lifestyle Health & Fitness Center. A 90-minute appointment costs approximately $75, but can be less expensive depending on the concern. Some insurances will reimburse for these appointments.
Get professional and social support.
Breastfeeding support groups can be a great resource for new moms. Led by an IBCLC and attended by other breastfeeding moms, this group meets the first and third Wednesday of every month at 10 am in the Lifestyle Health & Fitness Center.
Breastfeeding supplies are available for sale or rent.
Chesapeake Regional is the only hospital in the area that rents hospital-grade Medela(r) pumps to moms for short- and long-term at-home use. Nursing bra fittings and sales are also available, as well as basic breastfeeding essentials like shields, gel patches and pillows. For more information, call 757-312-3159.
