Lactation & Breastfeeding Services
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breastfeeding ensures the best possible health and developmental and psychosocial outcomes for an infant.
International Board Certified Lactation Consultants provide a high level of lactation care, consultation, education, and support to patients, staff, and students at UI Health. To help you meet your feeding goals, we provide lactation consultation after birth. Our virtual prenatal series includes a breastfeeding class. You can reach Lactation Services by calling 312.413.0233 or emailing breastfeeding@uic.edu. We can answer your breastfeeding questions before or after your delivery.
There are several pumping rooms in the hospital and throughout the campus for guests and employees (click here for locations and information). We can also provide information about getting a breast pump through your insurance plan. We are a resource on medications, breastfeeding, and breast pumping for patients throughout UI Health.
At UI Health, we agree that breastfeeding is the most natural way to feed and nurture a baby; however, it is a learned art.
Some new mothers benefit from knowledge and practical assistance to help them have positive breastfeeding experiences. Lactation Services offers education, counseling, and support so that breastfeeding can be a rewarding experience for mom, baby, and the whole family.
Fun Facts
- At birth, a baby’s stomach is the size of a large grape or walnut.
- Mom’s breasts begin to make and store milk during pregnancy.
- Initially, a baby gets all his germ-fighting ability from mom and her milk.
- Health benefits are seen even when the baby gets breast milk from a bottle instead of the breast.
- Formula does not have germ-fighting ingredients, but it is the best milk to feed babies when breast milk is not available.
- No one food in a mom’s diet causes trouble for breast milk. Even spicy food eaten by mom does not cause pain or problems for breastfeeding babies.
- Breastfeeding is easy for some and difficult for others.
- 92% of new moms experience trouble with breastfeeding, including nipple pain, trouble getting baby latched, and not enough milk supply.
We look forward to helping you meet your breastfeeding goals! Contact Lactation Services at 312.413.0233 or at breastfeeding@uic.edu.
