Aultman Hospital is committed to supporting your decision to breastfeed your infant. The following services and programs are offered to assist you in achieving a satisfying breastfeeding experience. Please call 330-363-6290 for specific dates and registration information.
Breastfeeding Classes
Breastfeeding Basics I: Getting Off to a Good Start
This informative class covers the benefits of breastfeeding, preparations for breastfeeding, correct positioning and latch-on, prevention and treatment of engorgement and sore nipples, how to choose a nursing bra, the father's role and what to expect at birth and the first few weeks at home. Attend this class in your last two months of pregnancy. Father or support person is encouraged to attend with mother. Saturday classes are available. Open to the public. $15 for Breastfeeding I and II classes.
Breastfeeding Basics II: The First Six Weeks and Beyond!
Attendance at this class is recommended after the birth of your baby. Issues faced by new breastfeeding mothers will be addressed. Topics include normal behaviors for a breastfeeding infant, prevention and treatment of breastfeeding problems, adjusting sleep patterns, newborn fussy times vs. colic, growth spurts, milk supply problems, pumping and storage of breast milk, introduction of the bottle, preparations for returning to work and what to expect as your baby grows beyond the first six weeks.
Hospital Support During Your Stay
Breastfeeding Support
During your stay at Aultman Hospital, our nurses are trained to assist you in beginning your breastfeeding experience. Board-certified lactation consultants are also available for additional assistance when breastfeeding problems arise.
Hospital-Grade Electric Breastpumps
When needed, hospital-grade electric breastpumps are available for use during your stay at Aultman Hospital and are available for rental upon discharge. Other breastfeeding products are available through Aultman Home Medical Supply.
Follow-up Breastfeeding Support
Board-Certified Lactation Consultants
After you are home from the hospital, our lactation consultants are available for telephone counseling at 330-363-6848. Leave a message, and your call will be returned as soon as possible. The Aultman Health Line, staffed by registered nurses, is also available for questions 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The number is 330-363-7600 or 1-800-393-9337. Assistance with breastfeeding problems is also available by appointment only. The lactation consultant works in collaboration with the mother and infant�s physician.
Mother's Breastfeeding Connection
Our weekly support group meets every Tuesday from 12-2 p.m. - in the Family Education Room on the fourth floor of the Bedford Street building - to discuss breastfeeding questions and concerns. Sharing of information between mothers also provides needed support during the early weeks of breastfeeding. A board-certified lactation consultant is present to guide the discussion and answer questions as needed. Mother's Breastfeeding Connection is free and open to the public. No registration is required. Mothers attend with infants, but we are not able to accommodate older siblings at this time. A digital baby scale will be available for infant weight checks.
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