Breastfeeding and Lactation Support

Also known as: Lactation Support

Feeding your baby is deeply personal, and it doesn't always come easily. Whether you're navigating a difficult latch, managing supply concerns or deciding what's right for you and your baby, our certified lactation consultants are here to help.

Services Offered

Our lactation services include:

  • Breastfeeding classes
  • Latch, positioning and milk supply support
  • Breastfeeding support from specially trained nurses
  • Feeding support for babies in the NICU
  • Help identifying tongue and lip ties affecting feeding
  • Breast milk donation drop-off

What Our Lactation Team Can Help With

Breastfeeding and chestfeeding look different for every family. Our postpartum nurses are specially trained to provide breastfeeding support and, if needed, our certified lactation consultants offer additional support as well. Our nurses and lactation consultants support a wide range of situations and meet you without judgment throughout the process.

A good latch is foundational, and it takes practice. Our consultants work hands-on with you in the hospital and at follow-up visits to find positions and techniques that work for your body and your baby. If your baby has a tongue or lip tie that may be affecting feeding, we can help identify it and connect you with the right support.

Supply concerns are one of the most common reasons families reach out to a lactation consultant – and one of the most treatable. Whether you're concerned about producing too little or managing an oversupply, we'll work with you on feeding frequency, pumping and other strategies and help you set realistic expectations for the early weeks.

When your baby is in the NICU, you may feel uncertain about whether you can or want to breastfeed. We'll meet you where you are – whether that's breastfeeding at the bedside, pumping to build and maintain your supply or using donor milk while your baby develops. We also provide lactation help, counseling and parents' groups during and after your NICU stay.

We have the expertise to support all parents who want to feed their babies, including those who are chestfeeding. Our team uses inclusive language and approaches care with respect for your identity and preferences.

Not every family chooses or is able to breastfeed, and our team uplifts your needs and choices. We can help you understand your options, including formula feeding and donor milk, so you can make the decision that's right for your family with confidence.

Find Care That's Close to You

Additional Support for New Families

Lactation support is one part of a larger postpartum network available to Providence Swedish Women’s Health Institute families. Here are more resources to help.

Parents and baby meeting with a healthcare provider
Doula Services

Feeding guidance, emotional support and help identifying postpartum mood concerns.
Pregnant woman looking at phone
Parenting Classes

Expert-led classes covering breastfeeding, infant safety and newborn care.
Parents holding newborn speaking with provider
Postpartum Mental Health

Screening for postpartum depression and anxiety to connect you with the right support.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can meet with a consultant at any time. You don't need to wait until you're struggling to breastfeed, and you don't need to have a specific problem to ask for help. A nurse can meet with you in the hospital after delivery, or if you need additional support, a lactation consultant can help you get started with positioning, latch and early feeding cues. Follow-up appointments are available after discharge too, so if challenges come up once you're home – engorgement, pain, supply concerns, a baby who won't latch – you have someone to call.

Many insurance plans cover lactation consultations under the Affordable Care Act, which requires most insurers to cover breastfeeding support and supplies without cost-sharing. That said, coverage varies by plan, and what's included, such as in-hospital visits, outpatient consultations, pump rentals – isn't always the same. We recommend contacting your insurance provider before your appointment to confirm your specific coverage and any out-of-pocket costs.

Breastfeeding is hard, and it doesn't always go the way you planned. That's not a failure. Our lactation consultants are here to help you troubleshoot, but also to help you make the decision that's right for your family. If breastfeeding isn't the right fit, we can talk through alternatives, including pumping, donor milk and formula so your baby is fed and you feel confident in your choice.

Yes. Our lactation consultants work directly within the NICU to support feeding, whether you’re breastfeeding at the bedside, pumping to build and maintain your supply or using donor milk while your baby develops. We also provide ongoing lactation help, counseling and parents' groups for families during and after a NICU stay.

You may be a good candidate to donate if you are healthy, a non-smoker, have plenty of milk for your own baby who is at least 6 weeks old and have 100–150 oz available to donate. If that sounds like you, contact Northwest Mothers Milk Bank to complete their screening process. They'll review your health history and test your milk to make sure it meets their safety standards. Call 503-469-0955 or visit donatemilk.org to get started.