News at UI Health

Whether you’re pregnant, recently delivered, or navigating pumping and breastfeeding, our International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants provide expert care, consultation, and education to help you reach your feeding goals. 

We spoke with a few of our experts about the benefits of breastfeeding and the support we have available for new families.

Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding gives your baby everything they need to grow strong, from complete nutrition to powerful immune-boosting properties to help them stay healthy.

“Breast milk supports healthy growth, development, and weight gain in those important early months,” UI Health lactation consultant Angela Martinez said. “It can reduce the risk of developing asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and even childhood leukemia.”

But many parents learning about breastfeeding for the first time may be surprised to learn those benefits extend beyond your baby. Breastfeeding can come with physical and emotional benefits for mom too! 

Beyond the physical benefits, breastfeeding encourages bonding through the release of oxytocin — a natural hormone that helps your body heal after childbirth and can promote feelings of calmness and connection. Breastfeeding may also lower the risk of postpartum depression, and when things are going smoothly, can be a convenient and cost-effective way to nourish your baby.

“Mothers who breastfeed often have faster postpartum recoveries,” Angela said. “Breastfeeding can also lower the risk for many long-term diseases, including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even breast and ovarian cancer.”

Inpatient Lactation Services

If your baby is receiving care at the hospital, or you’re pumping during your stay, our lactation team is right there with you. This team includes experienced International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), Certified Lactation Counselors (CLCs), and specially trained Milk Technicians who focus entirely on safe, accurate milk preparation.

One of the newest resources for families is our Milk Room, a space designed specifically for preparing breast milk and formulas using the same careful precautions you would expect in a restaurant-grade kitchen.

“Families may not always see the milk room, but it plays a big role in safety,” UI Health lactation consultant Kathy Cloninger said. “This space helps ensure milk is prepared in a clean, controlled environment, so every bottle is handled with care.”

Families also benefit from our Milk Tracker system, which gives families an easy way to stay involved in their baby’s feeding plan. Parents can see how much milk is stored in the hospital, look back on their pumping trends, and receive one-way messages or photos from their baby’s care team. Behind the scenes, milk technicians use the same system to follow dietitian instructions while preparing each bottle.

Postpartum & Outpatient Support

Outside our hospital walls, it’s completely normal to have questions about feeding, and our outpatient lactation team is here to help.

We offer free virtual and in-person prenatal classes — including a dedicated breastfeeding class, available to both UI Health and non-UI Health patients. These sessions aim to help you feel more confident and prepared for your baby’s arrival.

After delivery, our outpatient lactation specialists provide one-on-one lactation consultations to help with feeding, latching, pumping, milk supply concerns, and more at locations across our health system. We also have private pumping rooms on our campus, and if you’re exploring how to get a breast pump through your insurance, we can provide guidance about which options fit your specific needs.

If you have questions about your breastfeeding journey or would like to meet with a lactation consultant, call 312.413.0233 or email breastfeeding@uic.edu. We are here with you every step of the way.