Lee Health: Your Trusted Partner for Breastfeeding and Lactation Support
Lactation support is available to all new moms during their stay in our hospitals and after you are discharged. Board Certified Lactation Consultants are available by appointment and can be made by calling one of our lactation offices. In-person outpatient consultations, phone support and Televisits are also available by appointment and can be made by calling your hospital’s lactation office.
- Cape Coral Hospital: 239-424-2246
- HealthPark Medical Center: 239-343-5186
Lactation Services at Lee Health
Lactation Services are available to all new moms before, during, and after your stay.
We invite you to network with other breastfeeding moms. For more information, call 239-343-5271 or email [email protected],
Experienced, new, and soon-to-be moms can all benefit from our various programs.
Our lactation staff is ready to assist with:
- Difficult latch-on
- Perceived or actual low milk supply
- Sore nipples
- Breast engorgement
- Infant with slow weight gain
- Re-lactation or induced lactation
- Mothers returning to work
- Flat or inverted nipples
- Nursing twins, triplets, or more
- High risk mothers (mothers that have experienced breast surgery, breast trauma, hyper/hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary disease, gastric bypass or fertility treatment)
- Educational materials
- Questions about breast pumps and equipment
Getting Help with Breastfeeding and Lactation
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advocates breastfeeding as the optimal form of nutrition for infants. The AAP states that "human milk and breastfeeding of infants provide advantages with regard to general health, growth and development, while significantly decreasing risk for a large number of acute and chronic diseases."
Recognizing that breastfeeding is normal, desirable and achievable, our lactation consultants provide education, help and support for nursing mothers throughout Lee and surrounding counties. Our certified breastfeeding counselors provide 24-hour support to breastfeeding mothers at the bedside. Our consultants make rounds and offer assistance to breastfeeding moms who have additional concerns.
Our staff works closely with you and your physician to assure a team approach to your care.
All of our lactation consultants are certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE).
Lactation Offices Near You
When to Call for Help with Breastfeeding
Call the Lactation Consultant if:
- You do not feel that breastfeeding is going well.
- Your breasts are engorged.
- Your baby is five days old and you do not think that your mature milk has come in yet.
- It is difficult to get your baby to attach to your breast.
- Your baby cries and/or sleeps at the breast and does not nurse for more than a few sucks.
- Your breasts or your nipples hurt.
- Your baby is four days old and does not have three or more bowel movements each 24 hours.
- Your baby is four days old and does not have seven to eight wet diapers each 24 hours.
- Your baby has had a weight check and is not gaining well.
- Your baby is not calm, happy and sleepy after feedings.
- You feel you need to give your baby something more than your milk.
- Your baby sleeps most of the time. You think your baby would rather sleep than eat.
- You plan to return to work or school. (Call for an appointment two weeks before you plan to return to work or school).
- Supplementation has been ordered by your physician.
- You have any questions about breastfeeding.
Call our Lactation Offices Today!
HealthPark Medical Center Lactation Office at 343-5186
Cape Coral Hospital Lactation Office 424-2246
Lee Health Weigh Station
Cape Coral Hospital has Baby weighing station open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week in the Family Birth Suites waiting room. You are welcome to come and weigh your baby and track their growth.
HealthPark Medical center offers a baby weighing station by appointment. Please call 239-343-5271
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