Breastfeeding

The Breastfeeding Wellness Center

One of the best things we can do to as a start for our children is to provide them with the best nutrition available through breastmilk. Not only is your baby being fed a milk that is customized for them, but it passes on the benefit of the mother’s immune factors for as long as the baby receives breastmilk.

Breastfeeding is one of the most rewarding experiences of motherhood and is the healthiest way to feed an infant during the first year of life. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, then to continue for two years and beyond along with starting solid foods. The more a baby receives breastmilk, the more protection they will have against short- and long-term illness.

Monmouth Medical Center's comprehensive breastfeeding program has been expanded to provide breastfeeding support prenatally with breastfeeding education prior to delivery, in hospital lactation support, and continued lactation services after discharge.

In-Hospital Breastfeeding Support

As part of the Breastfeeding Program, inpatient and NICU nursing mothers can schedule a consultation with an internationally certified lactation consultant, a registered nurse with years of experience teaching breastfeeding. Following delivery, you can expect to put your baby skin-to-skin and receive assistance with positioning and latching your newborn. Our mother-baby registered nurses (RN) and internationally board-certified lactation consultants (IBCLC) are there to assist you with nursing your baby. Your baby’s first bath will be delayed to at least eight hours to enhance the breastfeeding experience. Inpatient mothers and mothers of babies in the NICU will receive an individual consultation during their hospital stay that discusses:

  • Skin-to-skin contact
  • How to use a breast pump
  • How often to feed the baby
  • Positioning with latching
  • How to know the baby is eating enough
  • With breastfeeding related questions after discharge call 848-303-3901 to speak to a lactation consultant

Outpatient Breastfeeding Services

Our outpatient Breastfeeding Program is located at the new Anne Vogel Family Care and Wellness Center at the Monmouth Mall in Eatontown. The convenient location offers easy access with baby strollers via spacious elevators on the first floor to the center, located on the fourth floor. Programs provide breastfeeding support before and after childbirth on an outpatient basis. It is a program designed to help and support families in reaching their breastmilk feeding goals.

Lactation Consultations and Breastfeeding Support and Education Programs

At the Anne Vogel Family Care and Wellness Center located at the Monmouth Mall in Eatontown, consultations with certified lactation consultants are available by appointment to help mothers overcome challenges to breastfeeding.

Additionally, the center offers private prenatal consults and information on how to order a breast pump through insurance on an outpatient basis.

To arrange for a private consultation, call 862-781-3873.

The Breastfeeding Today Class introduces prospective mothers and fathers to breastfeeding by providing information through an informal discussion on the process and techniques of breastfeeding. Topics include the advantages of breastfeeding, how to prepare and get started, concerns of working mothers and the role of the family. This class is taught by an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

To register, call: 732-923-5024 or e-mail Ana.Pinto@rwjbh.org.

The center also offers weekly free in-person and virtual support groups that promote breastfeeding through mother-to-mother support.

Topics include (but are not limited to):

  • Newborn and growing infants
  • Premature infants (in hospital and at home)
  • Pumping and exclusive pumping
  • Common challenges

All topics and issues related to breastfeeding in a warm and welcoming environment. The group is led by a registered nurse, board certified lactation consultant.

Registration is required by calling 862-781-3873.

When to Reach Out for Breastfeeding Support

Breastfeeding helps you bond with your baby, is free, and is nourishment that is customized for your baby. After birth, lactation consultants can help to make sure that you are off to a good start. The goal is to empower families to reach their feeding goals.

Breastfeeding support can address issues including:

  • Prenatal consults
  • Assistance positioning or latching infant
  • Nipple trauma or pain
  • Infants with poor or slow weight gain
  • Oral assessment to assess possible tongue tie
  • Making too little or too much milk
  • Breastfeeding premature infants
  • Breastfeeding multiples
  • Learning to pump and evaluation for proper flange fit
  • Transition to work
  • Breastfeeding support groups

Registration is required for all programs. To register or to find out specific program dates, call 862-781-3873.