One of the most common challenges for new mothers is breastfeeding, and the need for this personalized support for our patients is currently outpacing our consultants’ time. This funding would cover increased hours for our three part-time lactation consultants to help us reach compliance with the suggested standard of one lactation consultant for every 750 births.

Currently, we provide parents with telephone support for their breastfeeding questions. Some difficulties, however, are hard to resolve without our lactation consultants actually seeing the baby feed. We refer those parents to our local lactation consultants who work in private practice, but many parents are unable to afford the $150+ that consultants charge for an office visit. With the Postpartum Breastfeeding Support Program, new mothers would meet with our lactation consultants within the first two weeks of their baby’s life. The consultant will do an assessment, weigh the baby and devise a plan.

To offer your support, please contact Noelle Deihl-Harteveld at 973-593-2409 or noelle.harteveld@atlantichealth.org.