Upper Chesapeake Health

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Lactation Services

"...Breastfeeding ensures the best possible health as well as development and psychosocial outcomes for the patient."
-2005 American Academy of Pediatrics

Upper Chesapeake health is committed to creating the healthiest community in Maryland.

Breastfeeding is a great way to get off to a healthy start in life. The lactation consultants at the Upper Chesapeake Family Birthplace are international board certified lactation consultants who will encourage and support your breastfeeding experience.

Lactation services include:
Prenatal breastfeeding class Visits by a lactation consultant during your stay at the Upper Chesapeake Family Birthplace Weekly support group meetings for moms and babies Telephone "warmline" for support and Questions
Breastfeeding Benefits
Baby
Less likely to have the following:	Reduced risk of:
Ear Infections Allergies Vomiting/Diarrhea Respiratory Illness Meningitis	Diabetes Obesity Childhood Cancers Higher IQ's if breast fed

Mom

Reduced risk of:

Ovarian Cancer
Premenopausal Breast Cancer
Osteoporosis
Helps the uterus return to normal size more quickly
Breastfeeding promotes a special bond between mother and baby
Breast milk is free-it is readily available and changes to meet baby's needs

Warm line number 443-643-2948. The warm line provides important current information related to breastfeeding and a way for a mother to leave a message for a lactation consultant to return her call. Calls are returned daily from 8:30am to 3:30pm. Unlike a hot line where a call is answer immediately a warm line call will be returned within 24hours.

Breastfeeding Support Groups meetings for moms and babies every Tuesday and Thursday from 10-11:30 at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center. Support groups provide a way for mother to ask questions and receive support with breastfeeding from the lactation staff at UCMC and WIC. Support groups are free and no registration is required! The group is a collaboration between Upper Chesapeake Medical Center and the Harford County WIC program. Weight checks for babies available.
* (Group meetings are canceled if on a holiday or in bad weather that closes Harford County schools.)

Prenatal Breastfeeding Classes – Held every third Saturday of the month 10-12noon. The class provides information to expectant parents to help them get off to a successful start at breastfeeding. Parents will learn about the benefits of breastfeeding, how to get started breastfeeding in the hospital and how to avoid common pitfalls with breastfeeding. Classes are taught by a registered nurse/ internationally board certified lactation consultant. To register call: Healthlink 1- 800-515-0044.