Lactation and Newborn Follow-Up Care

Breastfeeding Support

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Breastfeeding Support for You & Your Newborn

At CHRISTUS Health, we encourage all mothers to do what is best for their newborn babies and their own health and well-being. When possible, exclusively breastfeeding your baby is recommended for at least the first six months.

  

Whether it is your first or last child you plan on having, our lactation specialists can teach you different methods to effectively breastfeed your baby. Although it can be challenging, it offers many benefits.

Benefits of Breastfeeding

For Baby

Breastfeeding provides numerous health benefits for your baby, including:

  • Early nutrition: Colostrum, the first breastmilk produced after giving birth, is easily digestible and perfectly portioned for a newborn’s small stomach.
  • Stronger immunity: Antibodies in colostrum and breastmilk help protect against infant illnesses, such as respiratory infections, pneumonia, and ear infections.
  • Reduced risks: Breastfed babies have a lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), allergies, asthma, juvenile diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers.
  • Cognitive development: Breastfeeding supports optimal brain growth, potentially increasing IQ by 8-10 points.

For Mom

Mothers who breastfeed experience health benefits as well, such as:

  • Faster recovery: Helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and reduces postpartum bleeding.
  • Long-term health: Lowers the risk of postpartum depression, as well as breast and ovarian cancer.
  • Cost savings: Breastmilk is naturally free, reducing the expense of formula.

Pregnancy and Parenting

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Pregnancy and Parenting Services

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Breastfeeding Support Tailored to You

Breastfeeding is a natural process, but it doesn’t always come naturally. That’s why CHRISTUS Health provides a range of lactation services and resources to support you and your baby.

Our Lactation Services

At many CHRISTUS locations, internationally board-certified lactation consultants and breastfeeding educators are available to guide and assist you.

These professionals collaborate with physicians, midwives, and nurses to ensure comprehensive care, including:

  • Personalized consultations with registered nurses who are lactation experts
  • Support for a variety of challenges, from low milk supply and latching issues to concerns about baby’s weight gain or oral motor function
  • Resources and tools to address nipple pain, engorgement, tongue and lip ties, and more

What to Expect During a Consultation

A one-on-one lactation consultation may include:

  • Review of your breastfeeding and health history
  • Assessment of your baby’s nursing session and weight using a digital scale
  • Hands-on teaching of techniques to improve latch and milk transfer
  • A customized plan of care to support ongoing breastfeeding success

Whether you’re starting, continuing, or troubleshooting your breastfeeding journey, CHRISTUS is here to help you and your baby thrive.

Lactation Consultants

During Your Hospital Stay

After your baby's birth, your labor nurse will help you begin breastfeeding, taking advantage of your baby’s natural readiness to feed within the first hour. This critical time helps set the foundation for breastfeeding success.

You’ll also receive personalized support, including an individual consultation to evaluate your baby’s feeding style and address any breastfeeding challenges. At many CHRISTUS locations, board-certified lactation consultants—registered nurses experienced in lactation and postpartum care—are available to provide expert guidance.

Comprehensive Breastfeeding Support

Breastfeeding should be a positive, empowering experience. Our mother baby nurses and nursing assistants are trained to support a variety of breastfeeding needs, including:

  • Feeding premature babies, multiples, or babies with cleft lips or palates
  • Breastfeeding after breast surgery
  • Re-establishing breastfeeding after stopping
  • Supporting adoptive mothers with breastfeeding and breastfeeding resources

We understand that every breastfeeding journey is unique, and our team is here to help address any challenges or concerns you may face. Whether it’s finding comfortable feeding positions, improving latch techniques, or navigating special circumstances, we’re dedicated to helping you and your baby succeed. With personalized care and encouragement, we aim to make breastfeeding a fulfilling part of your motherhood experience.

Texas Ten Step Program

CHRISTUS Health is committed to giving mothers the tools and knowledge they need to provide their babies with the healthiest start. As part of this commitment, many of our labor and delivery departments have earned the Texas Ten Step Program designation.

This recognition from the Texas Department of State Health Services highlights our efforts to promote breastfeeding as the preferred method of infant feeding through:

  • Comprehensive breastfeeding education for mothers
  • Maternity care practices that support breastfeeding success
  • Ongoing staff education on breastfeeding best practices

Whether you’re starting, continuing, or overcoming challenges with breastfeeding, CHRISTUS is here to support you every step of the way.