Your infant's admission to the NICU should not change your breastfeeding goals.
Lactation consultants are available to provide you with the support you need to meet those goals.

Nutrition is critical to the development of premature infants. Most premature infants are provided nutrition through a tube (gavage feeding) until they are old enough to breastfeed.
If you choose to breastfeed, our lactation consultants will help you establish and maintain a milk supply with a breast pump. This milk can be stored until your infant is ready to nurse.
Lactation consultants can also assist you with the transition from gavage (tube) feeding to breastfeeding. Some premature infants need extra time to learn to breastfeed.

We hope you will consider the many benefits of breastfeeding:

Breast milk is most easily tolerated and a preferred source of nutrition for premature and sick infants.
Studies suggest that breast milk reduces the incidence of some infections in both premature and
full-term infants.
Many mothers tell us that providing breast milk is a comfort to them during this difficult time - it's something only you can do for your baby.

Lactation consultants are available to you while your infant is in the NICU.

We also provide:

Support after you return home through our Lactation Support Warm Line, 781-340-8602.
Weekly Breastfeeding Class or Breastfeeding Support Group, 781-340-8332

Breastfeeding Mission Statement

Parents’ individual breastfeeding goals will be respected and all efforts encouraged and supported.

The feeding philosophy of South Shore Hospital’s NICU is consistent with the American Academy of Pediatrics’ position statement for the use of human milk: that human milk is preferred feeding for all infants, including premature and sick newborns, with some rare exceptions.

Our NICU staff will promote and support breastfeeding efforts in a consistent and evidence-based manner. Educational information provided to parents will be family-focused, culturally sensitive, and based on current research.

Breastfeeding Resources

Prenatal breastfeeding classes
In-hospital breastfeeding classes
One-to-one South Shore Hospital Lactation Support Warm Line 781-340-8602
Follow-up care in our Lactation Clinic
A breastfeeding support group

Books

The Nursing Mother's Companion by Kathleen Huggins
Breastfeeding Your Baby by Sheila Kitzinger
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League International
The Baby Book by William Sears, MD and Martha Sears, RN
Breastfeeding Today: The Mother's Companion by Lawers and Barnard Woesner

Breastfeeding Supplies

Gentle Beginnings at South Shore Hospital™ is a lactation boutique that offers a full array of products for breastfeeding mothers:

Breast pumps
Nursing pillows
Resource books
Nursing bras
Nipple shields
and many other items

The optimal time to fit a nursing bra is in the last week of your pregnancy or after your baby is born. Proper fit is essential for your comfort. For a free bra fitting by our lactation specialist or more information about our products, please call 781-340-3470.

Gift certificates are available.

All proceeds from products sold support The Friends of South Shore Hospital. For more information about The Friends call 781-340-8520.