Breastfeeding is the best thing that you can do for you and your baby. Not only does it create a lifelong bond between mother and child, but it keeps you and your baby healthy.
The nutrients and antibodies in breast milk help to protect your baby and prevent disease. Breast milk is easier for your baby to digest compared to formula, and it changes as your baby grows, giving him or her just the right amount of fat, sugar, water and protein.
Because breast milk protects your baby, he or she is sick less often, resulting in fewer visits to the doctor and fewer missed days from work for mom or dad.
Women who breastfeed are able to return to their pre-pregnancy weight more quickly and have a reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, ovarian cancer and postpartum depression.
For more information about the benefits of breastfeeding, click on your language to download a PDF:
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If you have any questions about breastfeeding, contact our lactation consultants:
It is recommended that moms who are planning to breastfeed learn about the process before they give birth.
Under the guidance of an experienced, internationally board certified lactation consultant, our breastfeeding classes will help answer common questions and concerns that many new families experience during pregnancy. We will prepare the new family for both the initial breastfeeding experience and what to expect during the first few weeks at home.
Your home care nurse will: Monitor your recovery by checking your blood pressure, c-section scar, or episiotomy Monitor your baby’s health, by checking his or her weight, skin color, temperature and heart and lungs Observe and assist during breastfeeding, making sure that your baby is positioned properly and that you are comfortable Weigh your baby after a feeding and develop a feeding plan if more weight gain is needed Teach you how to use a breast pump Show you how to keep your baby safe while he or she sleeps Answer any questions about caring for your baby We will contact your doctor for approval before a home care visit is scheduled.
You may contact a home care nurse at any time, day or night. A phone number will be provided to you during your first visit.
Expect your first home care visit to last 1-2 hours. At this time, your nurse will record your medical history, monitor your recovery, examine your baby and observe an entire feeding.
Home Care visits are available to moms living in Erie or Niagara County.
During your stay in the hospital, let your lactation nurse know that you would like a home visit from a nurse.
Within a few days after you return home from the hospital, you will be contacted by one of our staff, who will schedule your appointment. If you feel that you no longer need a home care visit, you are under no obligation to make an appointment.
If you did not request a home care visit during your hospital stay, please ask your baby’s pediatrician for a referral.
Most insurances cover 1-3 visits from a home care nurse. Prior to making an appointment, our staff will verify that our services are covered by your insurance company.
You will be notified in advance if you will be responsible for a co-pay.
Monthly: 1st Mondays 5:30 pm-7:30 pm, 3rd Mondays 11:00 am-1:00 pm
Located in the 4th floor Maternity conference room. Breastfeeding moms, babies, siblings, and partners are welcome. Feel free to join us for the entire meeting or drop in for a few minutes, we look forward to seeing you there!
No reservations are needed. If you have questions, please call (716) 828-2616.
Tuesdays 11:00 am-1:00 pm & Thursdays 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Facilitated by a trained lactation consultant from Sisters of Charity Hospital.
The virtual Baby Café includes:
For more information and the link to join, please email familyclasses@chsbuffalo.org for your reservation. If you have any questions please call (716) 862-1939.
Education, Breastfeeding Bill of Rights
Information about breastfeeding laws
Planning for breastfeeding, overcoming challenges, finding support
Offers nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, and referrals for women with children up to 5 years old. Income limits apply.
Breastfeeding pumps, classes, support group
From the Menzies School of Health Research
Provides donor milk to the New York metropolitan area and New York State. Learn more about donating breast milk here.
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In keeping with our mission to serve mothers and babies throughout the region, Catholic Health WomenCare has joined The New York Milk Bank to give area women the opportunity to drop off donated breast milk at its three maternity hospitals. Donations are accepted at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo and Sisters of Charity Hospital.
For more information on donating to the Catholic Health Milk Bank Depots please contact:
