Breastfeeding Support

Resources and support to help you make the most of your breastfeeding experience

One of the most important things you can do as a new parent is breastfeed, since all of the nutrition and hydration a newborn needs can be provided in breast milk. Breastfeeding is good for your baby’s health and your health.

Breastfeeding can be a beneficial and rewarding experience for you and your baby with the right resources and support throughout your journey.

When it comes to breastfeeding, knowing what to expect and being prepared along the way are stepping stones to success. High-quality equipment, supplies and training can also help make breastfeeding more efficient and enjoyable.

Our breastfeeding experts are here to provide advice and support. They can also help you choose breastfeeding supplies and accessories so you can make breastfeeding work for you and your baby.

Our Services

Education

Breastfeeding does not always come naturally. Our experienced lactation consultants teach you how to make breastfeeding work with your lifestyle. They can answer your questions about breastfeeding, pumping and more.

We also offer classes on breastfeeding and breastfeeding support groups so you can meet other breastfeeding mothers. We encourage all people who hope to breastfeed to attend a class during pregnancy and will work with you to make sure that education is affordable and accessible to you.

Breast Pumps

Breast pumps are important tools for many who breastfeed. Some people pump to express milk if their baby cannot or does not nurse directly at the breast. For others, pumps allow ongoing breastfeeding when mothers and babies are separated, such as returning to work or school.

With a variety of electric and manual pumps available, we can help you determine which type of pump is best for you. 

Insurance companies typically provide coverage for breast pumps free of charge. To place an order for a breast pump, start by reaching out to your insurance company about any preferred medical supply companies, then talk with your IU Health provider.

Accessories

Successful breastfeeding for most people involves the use of some accessories. Some breast pumps come with a pumping kit that includes items such as breast flanges, tubing and bottles. In other cases, you must buy such products separately. Other products include nursing bras and garments, along with cleaning supplies and breastfeeding educational materials.

Postpartum outpatient lactation support may be available through IU Health. If you're interested, please reach out to the services listed below.

IU Health Lactation Support Services

What to Expect with Breastfeeding Support

When it comes to breastfeeding, knowing what to expect and being prepared along the way are stepping stones to success. High-quality equipment, supplies and training can also help make breastfeeding more efficient and enjoyable.

Our breastfeeding experts are here to provide advice and support. They can also help you choose breastfeeding supplies and accessories so you can make breastfeeding work for you and your baby.

Our Services

Education

Breastfeeding does not always come naturally. Our experienced lactation consultants teach you how to make breastfeeding work with your lifestyle. They can answer your questions about breastfeeding, pumping and more.

We also offer classes on breastfeeding and breastfeeding support groups so you can meet other breastfeeding mothers. We encourage all people who hope to breastfeed to attend a class during pregnancy and will work with you to make sure that education is affordable and accessible to you.

Breast Pumps

Breast pumps are important tools for many who breastfeed. Some people pump to express milk if their baby cannot or does not nurse directly at the breast. For others, pumps allow ongoing breastfeeding when mothers and babies are separated, such as returning to work or school.

With a variety of electric and manual pumps available, we can help you determine which type of pump is best for you. 

Insurance companies typically provide coverage for breast pumps free of charge. To place an order for a breast pump, start by reaching out to your insurance company about any preferred medical supply companies, then talk with your IU Health provider.

Accessories

Successful breastfeeding for most people involves the use of some accessories. Some breast pumps come with a pumping kit that includes items such as breast flanges, tubing and bottles. In other cases, you must buy such products separately. Other products include nursing bras and garments, along with cleaning supplies and breastfeeding educational materials.

Postpartum outpatient lactation support may be available through IU Health. If you're interested, please reach out to the services listed below.

IU Health Lactation Support Services

Aug 06

Lactation consultants help moms thrive beyond the hospital

A new mom found confidence and support in her breastfeeding journey through IU Health West’s lactation consultants and weekly support group.

Lactation consultants help moms thrive beyond the hospital image.

Patient Stories for Breastfeeding Support

Aug 06

Lactation consultants help moms thrive beyond the hospital

A new mom found confidence and support in her breastfeeding journey through IU Health West’s lactation consultants and weekly support group.

Lactation consultants help moms thrive beyond the hospital image.

HealthyChildren.org

A series of articles on breastfeeding from the American Academy of Pediatrics society.

Resources

HealthyChildren.org

A series of articles on breastfeeding from the American Academy of Pediatrics society.