Lactation Services
Numerous studies have shown that breastfeeding protects babies and mothers from illness, and promotes life-long health benefits for the newborn. In addition, breastfeeding also creates a special bond between the mother and baby. The nursing staff of McLeod Women’s Services are trained to assist mothers with breastfeeding and work alongside the McLeod Lactation Team. The McLeod Lactation Team is composed of five caring and wonderful women who help moms have a positive and healthy breastfeeding experience.

About the McLeod Lactation Team
McLeod Lactation Services began in the mid-1980s, with the vision to support mothers in their efforts toward breastfeeding and to help them achieve the best breastfeeding experience possible. All five members of the McLeod Lactation Team are highly skilled Certified Lactation Counselors (CLC) and International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC), specifically trained to meet the needs of breastfeeding mothers and their families. The CLC credential identifies specialists in lactation counseling who possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitudes to provide breastfeeding counseling and management support to families who are thinking about breastfeeding or have questions or problems during the course of breastfeeding/lactation. The CLC credential is obtained by demonstrating knowledge and skills in lactation management, completing a 45-hour evidence-based, comprehensive lactation course, and successfully passing the comprehensive exam administered by the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP). The IBCLC credential recognizes specialists that provide expert breastfeeding and lactation care, promote changes that support breastfeeding, and help reduce the risks of not breastfeeding. The IBCLC credential is the gold standard in lactation certification, and is acquired by completing 90+ hours of comprehensive, lactation-specific education, attaining at least 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience with breastfeeding mothers, and successfully passing the rigorous IBCLC exam administered by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. The CLCs and IBCLCs complete on-going breastfeeding education and training in order to maintain their certification status. These McLeod lactation specialists possess the knowledge and skills to provide the most up-to-date education, assistance and advice to breastfeeding mothers.

The lactation specialists are available to patients during their stay at McLeod, Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Using the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations, as well as the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine’s Clinical Protocols, new mothers receive evidence-based education and assistance on breastfeeding management. The lactation specialists meet with breastfeeding mothers to provide breastfeeding support, assist with feeding difficulties, and discuss breastfeeding management and techniques. Mothers are encouraged to call with any questions or concerns after discharge, and receive a call from one of the lactation specialists within the first 10 days to follow-up with her and offer assistance if needed.

All moms who deliver at McLeod have six weeks of outpatient lactation services available at no charge. For non-McLeod deliveries, McLeod outpatient lactation consultations are available for a fee.

Contact The Lactation Team
The McLeod Lactation Team provides outpatient services through the McLeod Resource Center. One-on-one lactation support is available two days a week by appointment at the Resource Center to assist individuals with questions or concerns they may have. To make an appointment please call the Resource Center at 843-777-2890. Telephone counseling is also offered; please call 843-777-MOMS (6667). The Resource Center is located on the McLeod Regional Medical Center campus in the Levy House behind the McLeod Pavilion, and is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

To contact the McLeod Resource Center, please call (843) 777-2890. To contact the McLeod Lactation Team, please call (843) 777-6667.