Lactation Services

Winter Haven Women's Hospital is proud of the support our staff provides for the breastfeeding mother. Breastfeeding is a natural instinct for baby but a “learned art” for both mother and baby. The nursing staff on the mother-baby unit will provide assistance and support as you begin your breastfeeding experience.

At Winter Haven Women’s Hospital, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant is available to provide free information and consultation. We offer a comfortable and supportive environment where breastfeeding families can discuss their goals and concerns and receive ongoing assistance. The lactation staff makes frequent rounds and is available for questions or situations requiring further expertise.

Our lactation services include:

  • "Preparation for Breastfeeding" class to help make every phase of your breastfeeding experience successful
  • Inpatient hospital assistance
  • Support for breastfeeding mothers with babies in our NICU and follow up calls to NICU moms
  • Outpatient services by appointment
  • Medela hospital grade pump rentals, breast pump sales, miscellaneous pump parts and breastfeeding aids
  • Helpful tips for breastfeeding when you return to work
  • Breastfeeding Helpline: (863) 294-7068

Breastfeeding Supplies

We are dedicated to providing lactation education, support, and supplies for the breastfeeding family. 

Breastfeeding supplies available in our support center include:

  • Hospital-grade Medela electric breast pumps for rent
  • Pumping supplies and accessories
  • Nursing stools
  • Milk storage bags
  • Breast pads

Gift certificates and baskets available...the perfect idea for new and expectant moms!

Some helpful tips from our lactation consultant:

  • At birth, your baby’s tummy is small and sterile. Colostrum, the first milk, meets all of the baby’s nutritional needs, protects from infection, and is the perfect amount for his or her tummy. In the first 24 hours after birth, a newborn’s tummy is only meant to hold 5-15cc (or at most ½ ounce) per feeding. Colostrum production is about 1 to 4 ounces for the first 24 hours which is all a full term healthy baby needs. No additional water or formula is needed unless specifically ordered for medical reasons.
  • By keeping your baby with you whenever possible and doing skin to skin care, you will be in tune to baby’s feeding cues and be able to respond as needed.
  • Occasionally a mother chooses to do both breast and bottle feeding because she needs to return to work, school or has other reasons that will require mom and baby to be separated. We recommend waiting until breastfeeding is well established before introducing a bottle or pacifier. If bottle feeding is medically indicated or needed due to separation of mom and baby, we recommend you start pumping in order to establish your milk supply. The sooner pumping is initiated the more milk will become available.

Learn about Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. 

For more information, call our Breastfeeding Helpline at (863) 294-7068.

Florida law says that you have the right to breastfeed in public.