At Great Plains Health, we believe that breastfeeding provides many health benefits, and we support women in giving breast milk to their babies.
Advantages of breastfeeding include:
- Breast milk protects babies from certain health problems, like ear infections, gastrointestinal problems, upper respiratory infections, type 2 diabetes and asthma.
- Breastfeeding promotes wellness in mothers by decreasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, ovarian cancer and postpartum depression. It also aids mothers in losing weight postpartum.
- Breastfeeding costs less than formula feeding, which does not provide the same health benefits as breast milk.
We are here to help
We understand that breastfeeding can sometimes be a challenge, which is why we are here to help you and your baby during the journey by providing tips for success and troubleshooting any problems.
We support women in giving breast milk to their babies.
Our highly trained nurses and international board-certified lactation consultants can assist new moms and babies by providing:
- Breastfeeding classes for expectant parents.
- Breastfeeding assistance during and after the hospital stay.
- Encouragement of skin-to-skin contact between baby and mother immediately after birth, including cesarean sections if the mother and infant are both stable.
- Education for families to help them recognize feeding cues.
- Education for families on proper positioning and latch.
- Education on the principles of supply and demand, adequate intake, and breast milk storage.
- Support for mothers with babies in the special care nursery or neonatal intensive care unit.
- Preparation for going back to work.
Breastfeeding support after you go home
If you have questions or concerns about breastfeeding after you are discharged from the hospital, a lactation consultant can help you.
To schedule a consultation, please call 308.568.2265.
Not sure about breastfeeding?
Many expectant mothers are not sure if they want to breastfeed. While it is true that breastfeeding can initially be difficult for some women and their babies, the staff at Great Plains Health can help overcome any problems. They can help mothers and families become more comfortable with breastfeeding by addressing common concerns, such as:
- Breastfeeding in public.
- Juggling breastfeeding with the demands of a job and other children.
- Lack of family support.
Breastfeeding and premature or sick babies
Great Plains Health knows the importance of providing breast milk to premature and sick babies in the special care nursery. Breast milk has been shown to be a powerful tool in helping these babies. The staff members at Great Plains Health are dedicated and prepared to help mothers who are separated from their babies be successful at providing breast milk and reaching their breastfeeding goals.
Formula feeding
The healthcare team at Great Plains Health also supports families that choose to formula feed. The team teaches safe formula feeding to all parents who choose formula as their feeding method.
Donor human milk program
If you would like to feed your baby breast milk but are unable to do so, we can help. Our Donor Human Milk Program at Great Plains Health provides free donor milk to new moms who need it.
Moms who wish to donate their breast milk may do so through our Donation Outreach Center. After helping you through the screening and approval process, we facilitate the transfer of your donated milk to a mothers’ milk bank in Denver. This milk is then tested, pasteurized and returned to facilities (including ours) for use by local communities.
If you are interested in receiving or donating breast milk, please call 308.568.2265.