Have a Question?
Our lactation consultants are here to help you.
336-718-5636
Q. Do all mothers-to-be need a breastfeeding class?
A. New parents tell us they are glad they took a breastfeeding class before delivery. The class familiarizes parents with breastfeeding basics, hospital procedures and services provided by the Nursing Mother's Center.
Q. Can you recommend a good breastfeeding book?
A. Yes. The Nursing Mother's Companion by Kathleen Huggins (Harvard Common Press) is an easy-to-read book that addresses everything you could ask about breastfeeding. It is available at the Nursing Mother's Center, the Hanesbrands Health Learning Center at Forsyth Medical Center, the public library, and area bookstores.
Q. Can I come to the Nursing Mother's Center if I deliver elsewhere?
A. Yes. the Nursing Mother's Center is open to the public.
Q. Will my insurance cover my visit?
A. While we cannot guarantee if your insurance carrier will cover the visit to the Nursing Mother's Center. Our fee will automatically be filed to your insurance and a co-pay collected at the visit.
Q. What can I expect during my consultation?
A. You and your baby and any support person you would like present will meet with a consultant in one of our comfortable, private rooms. We schedule your appointment to coincide with your baby's feeding time, optimizing our ability to assess your breastfeeding situation. We weigh the baby and can even tell how much milk the baby receives with a special intake scale. A personalized feeding plan is provided and your breastfeeding goals are reviewed. We send a report of our findings to your doctors.
Q. Does my doctor need to refer me?
A. You can self-refer or your doctor or pediatrician can refer.
Q. Will a Lactation Consultant automatically come see me in the hospital?
A. Yes. If you are planning to breastfeed, we will be automatically notified and visit you on "rounds". Your delivery nurse will provide breastfeeding support in Labor and Delivery and a lactation consultant will visit you in your Mother/Baby room; however, if you have not seen a lactation consultant by your second 24 hours in the hospital, please have your nurse page our department.
Q. Will I need to come back more than once?
A. That depends on the nature of your breastfeeding issues. Many mothers resolve issues with one visit. Other mothers have multiple appointments until things are progressing well.
Q. Can I bring my husband (or mother, other children, etc.) with me to the appointment?
A. Of course. It is helpful to have someone else close to you present during a consultation. Ideally, siblings are left at home. We cannot supervise them during your appointment and we want to concentrate on your breastfeeding needs without distraction.
Q. Should I buy a nursing bra before I deliver?
A. Although you will probably experience breast changes after delivery, most nursing bras allow for changes in ribcage and cup size. It is helpful to have a supportive, sleep-type bra to wear under your hospital gown or robe. The Nursing Mother's Center carries a variety of bras. We will be happy to fit you while you are at the hospital or in advance.
Q. Do all mothers need to have a breast pump?
A. No. Breast pumps are needed when the baby is unable to nurse well or you are unable to nurse the baby in the first days after delivery. Pumps and pump kits are provided while you are an inpatient, if there is a medical need to do so. If you need a pump after discharge, we can rent a pump to you before you leave the hospital.
We encourage mothers to wait and see what their needs might be before buying a pump. Your Mother/Baby nurse will provide a manual breast pump to each nursing mother at discharge.
Q. How can I tell if my baby is getting enough milk?
A. Babies should nurse every 2-3 hours. Wake your baby if he or she is sleeping longer than 3 hours during the day or 4 hours at night. A newborn usually has a wet and soiled diaper for each day of life. By day 5, we expect 6-8 clear, wet diapers and 3-5 "bigger than a quarter" yellow bowel movements. Once milk supply increases (usually day 3-5), your breasts will feel softer after feedings. A visit to your baby's doctor is recommended within 24-72 hours after discharge to examine baby and monitor weight gain.
Q. My breasts are leaking now. Is that normal? I am not due for a few weeks.
A. Yes. Some expectant mothers experience prenatal leaking of colostrum, the "early" milk stored in your breasts during the end of your pregnancy.
Q. Who do I contact after regular office hours or on weekends?
A. The Nursing Mother's Center offers a "Nursing Mother Helpline" for questions and concerns : 336-718-5636 or 336-718-8233. Lactation consultants will return calls placed after 4 PM by the next business day. If you are unable to reach our office, call your pediatrician or obstetrician as indicated if you are experiencing significant problems.
