St. Mary's Hospital, Leonardtown, Maryland. Providing Medical Services for the Southern Maryland Community of St. Mary's, Calvert and Charles Counties.
St. Mary's Hospital, Leonardtown, Maryland
St. Mary's Hospital - Leonardtown, Maryland
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Outreach Center

Services

Diabetes Maze

Prenatal Classes: Breastfeeding classes are offered once a month and are taught by a Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC, RLC). Free

Consultations: One-on-one consultation with a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is available by appointment Monday through Friday. Fee

Telephone Support: All breastfeeding mothers are called a few days after discharge and followed as long as needed. Calls to the Breastfeeding Resource Center are encouraged, as questions and concerns arise.

Moms Group: If your baby is receiving breastmilk, you are welcome to attend our Wednesday morning Moms Group. Group meets from 10 a.m. to noon every Wednesday (except major holiday weeks) throughout the year. Lactation Consultants are on hand to answer questions. Moms learn from each other in a relaxed social environment.

Bra Fittings: A certified nursing bra fitter is available by appointment. Bra fittings are recommended two weeks after delivery. The Center offers the full line of Medela nursing bras.

Breastpump Sales and Rentals: Medela breastpumps are available for sale or rental. Education sessions on pump usage are available with pump sale or rental. Support for mothers returning to work or school is available. See price list for details.

Breastfeeding Supplies: A full line of breastfeeding aids is available for sale. See price list for details.

Slings: The Over-The-Shoulder Baby Holder is available for purchase. Slings are great for breastfeeding in public and hands-free carrying of your baby and young child until
age 3.
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What is a Lactation Consultant?

Diabetes Maze

A Lactation Consultant is a member of the health care team who has passed the certification examination for use of the title International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC, RLC). Lactation Consultants are registered with the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners and must recertify every 5 years. The IBCLC, RLC designation is your assurance that you are receiving professional help. The Breastfeeding Resource Center is staffed by 2 IBCLC, RLCs and 1 Certified Lactation Educator. Lactation Consultants work closely with your primary care provider to meet your individual breastfeeding needs and goals.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months. The AAP also; recommends continued breastfeeding with the addition of solids for at least one year or as long as mutually desired by mother and child.

When to Call the Lactation Consultant:

  • Nursing is uncomfortable or painful
  • Your baby is not producing 6 or more wet diapers and a couple of yellow bowel movements in a 24-hour period by day 5 of life
  • You have questions or concerns
  • Your baby is having weight gain issues
  • You are returning to work or school
  • You are starting to add solids or supplements to your baby's diet
  • You wish to wean
    You have questions about the safety of medications during lactation
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Is My Baby Getting Enough Milk?

Diabetes Maze

When your baby is born your colostrum is available to meet his/her nutritional needs.  It is there in small amounts to allow your baby’s digestive system to gradually make the transition from the umbilical cord to eating on his/her own.  Colostrum is thick and usually golden yellow.  It serves many purposes.  It provides immunities to your baby, and helps the G.I. tract to begin functioning.  Passing of those first black, thick, tarry stools is important.  At this point your baby’s stomach is about the size of his fist or a walnut.  Your baby may not want to eat as often as you think he/she should at this point.  Don’t worry- offer the breast every few hours.  As long as each day seems to be getting better you are probably doing okay.

Somewhere between day 3 and 5 your milk supply will increase and your baby will be ready for larger feedings.  At this point it is normal to see your baby eating 8-12 times in 24 hours.  You will notice that your baby has increased the number of wet and dirty diapers as well.  We would like to see 6 or more wet diapers and several bowel movements that are changing color from black to brown/green, to eventually seedy yellow.  Some breastfed babies have bowel movements  with every feeding for the first month or so and this is perfectly normal.

At about two weeks your baby will have what is referred to as a “growth spurt.”  You will know when this happens because your baby will be fussy and seem hungrier than normal.  Simply feed on demand and your baby should be back to normal in a day or so.

After an initial weight loss your baby should be back to his/her birth weight before the two-week doctor’s appointment and continue to gain an average of 4 to 8 ounces per week for the first few months. At approximately 4 months your baby’s growth curve will level out.  Most babies will double their weight in the first 6 months and triple it by one year.

If you have any questions or concerns about your baby’s development please call your baby’s primary care provider.

Hours

Lactation Consultants are available by appointment Monday through Friday. Every Wednesday from 10 a.m. - 12 noon a lactation consultant is available to answer questions during Mom’s Group

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the Health Connections Center at 301-997-6505.
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