Our Approach to Infant Feeding Care

 

One of the most important choices a new parent makes is how to feed their newborn. At Dignity Health, our physicians, nurses and breastfeeding support specialists are here to help you make the best choice for you and your family. 

Our approach to infant feeding is guided by compassion, research, real-world experiences and the infant's and family's unique needs. It’s designed to help all families thrive, supporting both breastfeeding families and those who make an informed choice not to breastfeed. 

More about our approach

 

One of the most important choices you will make as a new parent is feeding your newborn. Because every baby and family is unique, we work with you to create a feeding plan that is backed by research and follows our six guiding principles:

  • Human milk is the most natural way to nourish a baby.

  • Skin-to-skin contact helps babies adapt to their new environment.

  • Your feeding plan may include donated human milk or formula.

  • Premature babies and their families need extra feeding support.

  • Informed parents are more likely to succeed at breastfeeding.

  • Breastfeeding requires family support, knowledge and practice.

At Dignity Health, we help all families create a feeding plan, whether they choose breast milk, formula or a combination of both. We follow the latest scientific recommendations and stand by the following six guiding principles: 

1. Promote breastfeeding for its health benefits. 

We believe that human milk is the most natural way to nourish an infant. Babies who drink only breast milk have a lower risk of health problems, including ear infections, asthma, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and heart disease later in life.

2. Foster skin-to-skin contact for improved well-being. 

Research shows that early skin-to-skin contact is ideal for introducing babies to breastfeeding and their new surroundings. Keeping mothers and babies together during the hospital stay also creates bonding opportunities. We support keeping mothers and babies together unless separation is medically necessary.

3. Extend feeding support beyond breastfeeding.

Many NICU parents are overwhelmed and need special support to feed their infants. Our nurses and breastfeeding support staff educate families on how to use breast pumps and feed expressed human milk correctly.

4. Provide human milk to premature babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Many NICU parents are overwhelmed and need special support to feed their infants. Our nurses and breastfeeding support staff educate families on how to use breast pumps and feed expressed human milk correctly.

5. Teach, empower and support parents.

Our staff provides lactation support and education to help families meet their goals and feel confident in feeding their baby. Parents who know how to breastfeed and feel comfortable breastfeeding are more likely to succeed.

6. Build a strong breastfeeding foundation.

Support, knowledge and practice are essential for successful breastfeeding beyond the hospital walls. As families prepare to leave the hospital, our staff ensures they have the necessary local resources and information to continue their journey with confidence.

Breastfeeding Support Services

At St. Joseph's, we believe that breastmilk is best for baby and want to provide mothers with all the tools they need for successful breastfeeding. We have international board-certified lactation consultants who offer lactation services and breastfeeding support services during your hospital stay and after you go home. If you decide breastfeeding is right for you, our team of certified lactation consultants is here to provide support and education. We provide the following services:

Contact Our Lactation Consultants

For more information on our breastfeeding support services or to speak with a lactation consultant, please call (602) 406-4954.