The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding as the healthiest way of providing nourishment to your baby during his or her first year. Although breastfeeding is a natural way to feed your baby, it does not always come naturally to moms and newborns. That's why our highly skilled breastfeeding educators, including lactation consultants and nurses, offer assistance and information to help you have a successful breastfeeding experience.

The Family Birth Center staff helps moms succeed by encouraging skin-to-skin contact with mom and baby, 24-hour rooming in, breastmilk only unless supplementation is medically necessary, no pacifiers and providing resources and their contact information to breastfeeding moms at the time of discharge. Our breastfeeding brochure includes information on classes, support and supplies.

Green Meadows Pediatrics is the only pediatric clinic in Columbia with a full-time certified lactation consultant. With 18 years of experience, Lori Lampe, RN, IBCLC, provides support, supplies and education, as well as breastfeeding consultations, to pregnant women and new mothers. We want to help ensure a successful breastfeeding experience.

MU Women's and Children's Hospital offers monthly breastfeeding classes from 7-9 p.m. on Mondays. To register for classes call (573) 499-6101 or register online.

Hear from Lori Lampe on the resources available to moms and the benefits of breastfeeding.