Breastfeeding Support

Lactation Support from Pregnancy to Home

At Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), we understand that choosing to breastfeed is a personal and important decision. The Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology oversees our lactation services, ensuring you receive the best care possible.

We are here to provide education and support during your pregnancy, throughout your hospital stay and after you go home with your newborn.

During Your Hospital Stay

All of our postpartum nurses have specialized knowledge in lactation support. If you need additional assistance with breastfeeding or lactation, we have certified lactation consultants available for consultation during your hospital stay.

If your baby is in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), we have lactation specialists to support you. We also provide donor breast milk if needed.

Breastfeeding has many benefits for both you and your baby. It helps to build a strong bond and provides your baby with essential nutrients. After you deliver, breastfeeding can promote faster recovery and can be a rewarding experience.

Support After You Go Home

Going home with your baby is exciting, but it can be overwhelming. We offer free, outpatient breastfeeding support groups. We also offer an online support group for your convenience. These groups are a great way to get help with breastfeeding and meet other new parents. 

Parent Connection Mentoring Program

For over 25 years the Parent Connection, a free support service under the Department of OB/GYN, has offered a mentor service. All of our mentors are volunteer mothers who have completed our extensive training program and receive ongoing supervision under the program director.

Patients who choose to take advantage of this free service will be connected with a volunteer mentor who will provide weekly phone call support for the first 12 weeks after delivery. Our mentors are there to listen, offering guidance and support on many topics, including feeding your baby and infant sleep, providing information and support in the amazing and often overwhelming adjustment to parenthood.

Breastfeeding Courses & Education

It’s a good idea to start learning about breastfeeding while you are pregnant. We offer newborn care classes that cover breastfeeding basics and newborn feeding. These classes are part of our pregnancy and birth services. Review and register for available prenatal classes and education. With any questions, please email Jessica McCann.

For after you have your baby, we also offer breastfeeding support groups. Learn more about our in-person and virtual options below.

Accessing Breastfeeding Supplies

Before your baby arrives, it's a good idea to order a breast pump to use at home. A vendor we commonly use at BIDMC is Breast Pumps by Sam, Inc. (877-863-0777).

You can find more details about specific breast pumps and insurance coverage on our Breast Pump Information Sheet.