Lactation

Support with lactation services and more

Lactation Classes & Support Groups Resources & Education

The Parent Education team at ChristianaCare provide a range of services to support you as you prepare for childbirth, as well as after delivery as to help you get the best start with your newborn. From lactation services to support groups and classes and a support phone line, we are here for you.

Lactation

For the good health of babies and their mothers, we encourage new mothers and lactating people to breastfeed whenever possible, and we offer a support network to make it an easy, enjoyable experience for you and your baby.

Breast milk is the perfect food for your baby as it contains antibodies to protect them from illness, is easily digested and changes alongside the growth of your baby. It is also a fantastic tool in the bonding process.

Our commitment to the highest level of care for infant feeding and parent-baby bonding has earned us a Baby-Friendly™ designation by the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative—a global program of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Nurse holding lactation aid device next to mother and child

Classes & Support Groups

To give you the support and guidance you need, we offer a variety of different options for you to choose from – from free monthly support groups to paid online courses you are able to rewatch and reference as needed. To see all available options and registration information, click the button below.

Classes & Support Groups

Resources & Education

Inpatient Consultations

It’s common to need support when it comes to getting started with breastfeeding your baby. At ChristianaCare, all nurses and doctors of the Center for Women & Children’s Health have been educated on ways to support breastfeeding and pumping. During your stay with us, you will receive the support and help you need no matter how you choose to feed your baby. Lactation Consultants and Breastfeeding Peer Counselors are available if challenges arise.

Breastfeeding Text Program

We are delighted to offer free breastfeeding support via text. Getting information as you go along in your breastfeeding journey and communicating with the breastfeeding team is just a text away! This program is aimed at getting you off to a great start towards reaching your breastfeeding goals

Pump Closet

We carry breast pumps that should be covered by your insurance company. The process for you to be able to leave with a pump at discharge is quick and easy!

Outpatient Consultations (for Postpartum)

We’re here to provide ongoing support after discharge! In person consultations and assessments with a pre and post feeding weight check area available Monday through Friday. Our team will offer you an individualized plan of care.

Breastfeeding Warm Line

Complimentary accessible telephone support for our breastfeeding families is available by calling 302-301-3360. Calls will be answered 7 days a week, 8am-4pm. You may leave a message any time, messages left after hours will be returned the next day.

Curbside Retail Service

In need of breastfeeding supplies? Call us to purchase supplies and we will meet you curbside with your purchase! When you need to return one of our hospital grade rented pumps, we can also meet you curbside for a quick and easy return.

Peer Counselors for WIC-eligible Moms

WIC peer counselors are experienced mothers who have breastfed their own babies. They educate and connect with new parents and parents-to-be, helping them to become more confident and comfortable with learning to breastfeed.

WIC peer counselors can also offer:

Tips for how to breastfeed comfortable and discreetly, even in public.
Ways to stay close to your baby through breastfeeding, even after you return to work or school.
Ideas for getting support from family and friends.
Advice for helping your body to make plenty of breast milk for your baby.

To learn more about WIC peer counselors, call 302-301-4151.

For more information on any of the above services, please reach out to the Parent Education team at ChristianaCare at 302-301-3360 or parenteducation@christianacare.org.

Messages will be returned within 24 hours between 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., 7 days a week.

For questions outside of these hours, please call your infant's pediatrician.