Lactation Program

Columbia Memorial Hospital (CMH) is committed to helping you and your baby become a successful breastfeeding team. Our caregivers understand that deciding how you will feed your baby is one of the most important decisions you will make as a new parent. We are here to provide advice, encouragement, and support at any point in your journey, from before your baby is born until you are ready to wean.

Breastfeeding is the most natural way to feed your infant, and offers immediate and long-lasting emotional and physical benefits to both mom and baby. At the same time, learning how to breastfeed can be challenging, especially in the beginning. Be assured, this is quite common.

CMH’s certified lactation consultants are eager to help you achieve your breastfeeding goals. They are available by appointment by calling 503-791-9140. Our CMH Family Birthing Center nurses are also trained to help you and your baby get off to a good start with breastfeeding during your hospital stay.

When to Get Breastfeeding Support

Please make an appointment with one of our lactation consultants when YOU:

• have a history of failed breastfeeding
• have a history of breast augmentation or reduction
• are experiencing engorgement
• have sore nipples (cracked, bleeding, blistered)
• are suffering from mastitis
• are using a nipple shield
• had a multiple birth
• delivered prior to 38 weeks
• feel frustrated or discouraged about breastfeeding
• wish to donate breast milk to a milk bank
• need help getting breastfeeding-friendly undergarments

Call when BABY:

• has lost 10% or more of his/her birth weight
• has jaundice
• is experiencing sucking difficulties
• has a cleft lip/palate
• is being recommended for formula supplementation

Quality Care

In recognition of our commitment to supporting breastfeeding families, CMH has been recognized as an IBCLC Care Award Facility:

“Columbia Memorial Hospital has received the IBCLC Care Award in recognition for staffing International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) and providing a lactation program that is available 5 days a week for breastfeeding families. In addition, the facility demonstrated that they have provided recent breastfeeding training for medical staff that care for new families, and have recently completed activities that help protect, promote, and support breastfeeding.”