• Maternity

Lactation (Breastfeeding) Services

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), breastfeeding is the preferred method of infant feeding because of the many benefits to both mom and baby. Breast milk contains antibodies that help protect baby from illness and also contains the exact nutrients that your baby needs.

International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) provide specialized breastfeeding care to new mothers and infants.

At MHP Maternity Care, our lactation consultant and lactation educators can provide you with the best possible breastfeeding beginning and beyond. In addition, all of the staff has highly developed skills and training to assist breastfeeding mothers.

Once the baby is born and his/her airway is assessed, we recommend placing your infant skin-to-skin on your chest. Evidence shows that skin-to-skin contact on mother’s chest is the safest place for your baby to transition to a new environment. Skin-to-skin helps your baby to stay warm, stabilize blood sugar, and promote bonding. Babies who experience skin-to-skin contact are more likely to exclusively breastfeed with greater success.

Breastfeeding Support

To provide further breastfeeding support, beyond your stay in the Maternity Care unit, MHP also offers a Breastfeeding Support Group. Hosted and led by our RN who is a Certified Lactation Consultant, the MHP Breastfeeding Support Group welcomes breastfeeding mothers at any stage in their breastfeeding journey. The laid-back, friendly environment provides a comfortable setting for mothers to nurse their baby and chat with other moms! The Lactation Consultant will be present to answer any questions you may have and to weigh your baby, if desired. Click to view dates & times of the Breastfeeding Support Group.

If you need support once you are home with your baby, you may call our lactation support phone line at 317.398.5316 to leave a message for a lactation specialist to assist you. This message line will be checked daily Monday-Friday. If you need immediate assistance with breastfeeding, you may call the MHP Maternity Care at 317.398.5295 to speak with a registered nurse.

Breast Milk Storage Guidelines

  • Location
  • Duration
  • Room temperature (Up to 77°F)
  • 6-8 hours
  • Insulated cooler bag (5-39°F)
  • 24 hours
  • Refrigerator (thawed milk) (32-39°F)
  • 24 hours
  • Refrigerator (fresh milk) (32-39°F)
  • 5 days
  • Freezer inside refrigerator (5°F)
  • 2 weeks
  • Freezer with separate door (0°F)
  • 3-6 months
  • Deep freezer (-4°F)
  • 6-12 months

Handling Breast Milk

  • Store milk in small amounts (1-4 ounces), labeled with baby’s name and date collected
  • Store milk in back of refrigerator or freezer
  • Thaw milk in refrigerator or in a bowl of warm water
  • Warm milk by using warm, not hot, water (never microwave)
  • Breast milk may separate-swirl gently to mix (never shake)
  • Use oldest milk first; never refreeze thawed milk

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