We offer lactation consultation appointments with a board-certified lactation consultant in the comfort and familiarity of our office. To schedule an appointment, please call our scheduling team at (616) 588-1200 x2.

Breastfeeding Benefits Babies and Mothers

An infant who receives breast milk has the following advantages:

• Breast milk is specific for your baby
• Breast milk has the perfect combination of nutrients for your baby
• Breast milk protects against infections
• Breastfed babies have a lower risk of developing asthma as children
• Breastfed babies have a lower risk of childhood-onset diabetes

A woman who breastfeeds enjoys the following advantages:

• Less risk of developing osteoporosis
• Less risk of developing premenopausal breast cancer
• More likely to lose weight faster
• Saves time—no formula to mix
• Saves money—no need to buy formula

What a board-certified lactation consultant can do for me?

• prenatal education to learn the normal course of breastfeeding
• latch-on and positioning of infant
• resolving sore nipples, nipple infections, or other disorders of the breast or nipple
• a plan to protect your supply and feed your baby if he will not latch
• weaning from a nipple shield or proper sizing of a nipple shield if warranted
• milk supply concerns or if you’ve been told to supplement with formula
• low weight gain in infant/concern about milk volume intake at the breast
• nursing multiples or special-needs infants
• pumping for a premature or ill infant
• pumping and returning to work
• guidance when you have been told to wean for any reason and you are not ready
• direction in choosing a breastpump for your particular situation, and in choosing a breastshield that fits correctly
• nursing confidently in public
• other’s medication questions and/or mother’s medical issues that relate to breastfeeding

Learn about what Spectrum Health's Breastfeeding services has to offer

Learn about baby beloved's breastfeeding services