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.
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
- 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