Whether it’s your first baby or your fifth, feeding is a new journey every time. At Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center (CBMC), we support families in making the feeding decisions that are right for them, providing the resources, guidance, and care needed every step of the way.
For families who choose to breastfeed, CBMC offers access to International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs). These highly trained, certified, healthcare professionals, specialize in breastfeeding support and work closely with your care team to help you navigate feeding decisions, address challenges, and feel confident throughout your journey.
“We are very fortunate to have clinically trained breastfeeding specialists as part of our team here at CBMC,” says Gladys McHenry, MBA, MSN, RN, Administrative Director, Women and Children at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center. “They are an invaluable resource when it comes to offering guidance and support for families who decide they want to explore breastfeeding and would like extra support along the way.”
What Happens During a Lactation Consultant?
For those interested, lactation support at CBMC begins shortly after delivery. While not every family may want a consultation, support is always available.
During a consultation the team will:
- Introduce themselves and learn about your feeding goals
- Provide education on the benefits of breastfeeding for both baby and mother
- Offer guidance with positioning and achieving a proper latch
- Teach techniques like hand expression to support milk production
- Review pumping education, including frequency and expectations
- Help troubleshoot any concerns, including discomfort or latch challenges
The Importance of “Golden Hour”
CBMC strongly encourages the “golden hour,” the first hour after birth, when uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact takes place. This time is critical for bonding and helps naturally initiate the breastfeeding process. Early support during this period can set the foundation for a successful breastfeeding process.
Resources to Support Every Feeding Journey
Families are not expected to bring their own equipment as the hospital offers tools needed to get started. Understanding that every family’s needs are different, CBMC offers a range of supportive resources, including:
- Hospital-grade breast pumps to help establish milk supply
- Hand pumps for added flexibility and convenience
- Donor breast milk for families who need or choose supplementation, offering important health benefits for babies
In addition, our Women’s Health Education Department includes a wide range of parent education programs to support you before and after your baby arrives.
Education on the Benefits of Breastfeeding
Our lactation consultants also help families understand the health benefits of breastfeeding.
For Babies:
- Reduced risk of ear infections, colds, and respiratory illness
- Lower risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and certain childhood cancers
For Mothers:
- Decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancer
- Lower risk of osteoporosis and type 2 diabetes
- Support for post-partum recovery, including uterine healing
Breastfeeding Checklist
While many tools are provided during your hospital stay, some families find it helpful to have:
- Nursing bras and comfortable clothing
- Breast pads
- Nipple cream or ointment
- Breast pump
- Milk storage bags or containers
- Supportive pillow for positioning
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Cooperman Barnabas has been named to Newsweek’s 2026 list of Best Maternity Care Hospitals.
Learn more about Maternity Services at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center.