"Protect breastfeeding: a shared responsibility" is this year's theme for World Breastfeeding Week. SAS has been a strong supporter of mothers who desire to breastfeed their babies by making offices adaptable to pumping/nursing and providing comfortable Mother-at-Work pump rooms across campus.
The on-site Health Care Center has prioritized supporting breastfeeding mothers and infants for nearly three decades by offering preparation classes for parenting and breastfeeding and 24/7 lactation support. This shared responsibility and commitment to protect breastfeeding has resulted in an award-winning program that supports SAS families during their breastfeeding journeys.
What to expect from the SAS Health Care team
The Health Care Center has a group of providers with a special interest in pediatric primary care, all with additional training in lactation, including two Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC). Our care for families, breastfeeding or not, begins in the prenatal period with an initial visit around 36 weeks gestation where you and your family begin building a relationship with your chosen pediatric primary care provider. At this prenatal visit, we will:
- outline your child's journey for wellness care
- address worries or concerns about parenting
- offer resources and tips for bringing your newborn home
- discuss decisions about feeding, circumcision, immunizations, returning to work, etc.
- help you and your family prepare for breastfeeding.
Once your baby is born, we'll see your newborn within the first 24-48 hours of hospital discharge to ensure their safe transition to home life and to support their health and growth through breastfeeding. We will spend this first visit:
- assessing for appropriate latch
- discussing milk supply
- checking pre and post breastfeeding weights
- addressing all your questions surrounding newborn care.
We will continue to follow your baby closely during those first few critical weeks until return to birth weight is achieved. Beyond these first few visits, we offer breastfeeding support through:
- lactation consultations
- 24/7 after hours newborn care from our on-call pediatric providers
- loaner hospital grade breast pumps if needed
- 'Baby cues' visit at 1 month to help you recognize when your baby is most ready to feed and interact with you, how to tell when they are overstimulated, learn how your baby is best comforted, and more.
Additional SAS resources available for new and expectant families
- Yammer Groups
- Milk Stork breast milk shipping for traveling moms (when post COVID travel resumes)
- Discounted breastfeeding supplies
- Helpful parenting advice and handouts for children of all ages
- Work/Life's Monthly New Parent Discussion Group that meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month
- RFC's Prenatal to Cradle exercise program, designed to promote optimal health and fitness before, during and after pregnancy
We strongly believe in the importance of breastfeeding and we recognize that the early phases are not always easy. Whether you are a primary care patient or not, we are here to support your breastfeeding journey.
Big than
ks to guest bloggers Megan Moyles and Jill Ratanaphruks, SAS Health Care Center Family Nurse Practitioners, pediatric providers and lactation educators, for sharing how SAS has and will continue to protect breastfeeding day in and day out.
