Breastfeeding Support
Also known as Lactation Consultancy
Comprehensive Breastfeeding Support for New Parents
At Exeter Hospital, new parents have access to a full range of breastfeeding services. Before leaving the hospital, patients receive personalized guidance from our lactation team. Within the first week at home, a nurse provides a follow-up in-home visit to support feeding, answer questions, and check on the parent and baby. These services give families comfort and confidence as they adjust to life with a newborn.
More About Breastfeeding Support
Learn more about the specialized breastfeeding and lactation services available through Exeter Hospital’s Family Center.
Feeding a newborn can be challenging, especially in the first few days. Our International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) visit families during daily rounds to provide gentle, hands-on support with:
- Latching difficulties
- Soreness or pain
- Milk supply concerns
The lactation team also helps parents meet their feeding goals with services such as:
- Prenatal breastfeeding classes
- One-on-one inpatient lactation consulting
- One-on-one outpatient lactation consulting
- A breastfeeding warm line with phone support
- Assistance obtaining a breast pump through insurance
- A breastfeeding support group
Our goal is to make breastfeeding more comfortable and successful for both parent and baby.
Some families may need extra support, and Exeter Hospital offers options such as:
- Donor Milk: Available for pre-term or surrogate babies, or when breastfeeding isn't possible due to medical reasons or a low milk supply.
- Loaner Pump Program: A free service for parents waiting on insurance approval or needing a temporary or upgraded pump to manage feeding challenges.
These resources ensure families have the tools and support they need for successful feeding.
Our support doesn't end when you leave the hospital. Every family is offered a free home visit within the first week after discharge. During this visit, a nurse will:
- Check vital signs and baby’s weight
- Screen for jaundice
- Assist with feeding challenges
- Provide home safety tips
- Support the parent's physical and emotional well-being
If more help is needed, our nurses connect families with trusted community resources.
Before leaving the hospital, families receive helpful tools and contacts to support breastfeeding at home, such as:
- Information about our breastfeeding support group
- Recommended websites and mobile apps
- Key phone numbers for quick access to help
Families can also call our dedicated warm line during Family Center office hours for immediate guidance on breastfeeding and newborn care.
Pregnancy & Birth
From pregnancy to postpartum recovery, Exeter Hospital provides safe, supportive care for mothers and babies at every stage of the journey.
