FDA WARNS CONSUMERS AGAINST USING MOMMY'S BLISS NIPPLE CREAM.  PRODUCT CAN BE HARMFUL TO NURSING INFANTS (click here for information)

Breastfeeding

Breast milk is the best food for your baby and breastfeeding is a broad term for providing breast milk for your baby. It includes feeding directly from the breast, expressing or pumping breast milk for delivery by a bottle and all combinations in between.

The Naval Medical Center Portsmouth support breastfeeding by

• Offering classes on the basics of breast feeding and combining breast feeding and working.
• Training all medical staff on the Mother-Baby Unit to help with breastfeeding and having lactation consultants available to assist when more help is needed.
• Not providing formula samples or pacifiers in our classes or on the wards. Formula will be provided on the wards when specifically requested or medically necessary. Parents must purchase pacifiers if they want them.
• Providing a breastfeeding room in the pediatric clinic and two rooms for pumping outside the observation nursery.
• Information in this webpage.

The purpose of this page is to provide some quick reference information and resources to help you decide if breastfeeding is right for you and how to get started.

Classes

Breastfeeding Basics , teaches you the basic techniques to successfully feed your infant. Mothers should attend between 28-36 weeks of pregnancy.

Breastfeeding and Working , explores different strategies to continue breastfeeding when you return to workMothers should attend after their 28th week of pregnancy

Breastfeeding Basics - 953-4300 to sign up
NMCP 4 th Floor, Ward 4K Wednesdays, 1230-1430	Boone Clinic, OB Clinic Once each month, dates vary 1230-1500
Breastfeeding and Working
NMCP 4 th Floor, Ward 4K 0930-1030, 1 st Saturday of each month

The Education Station in each OB clinic provides calendars with the exact date, time and location for all prenatal classes. You can also check class schedules on this web site.

The Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) program has its own educators, classes and other assistance for its participants. WIC does provide supplemental nutrition for breastfeeding mothers.

Breastfeeding Assistance

All the medical staff on the Mother-Baby Units can assist you in getting started while in the hospital. If you have a problem they can't solve, lactation consultants are available to help. They can also help answer questions and put you in contact with civilian resources to help you breastfeed.

LaLeche League International provides education, information, support and encouragement to women wanting to breastfeed. The LaLeche League of Tidewater Referral Line (757) 857-8403 will put you in contact with groups in this area. The LaLeche League website is an excellent resource for information about breastfeeding.

A few breastfeeding frequently asked questions

How long should I breastfeed?

The current American Academy of Pedatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least one year. By this time a child should receive most of his nutrition from solid food. This is also close to the time most children start walking. The surge of independence associated with the developmental milestone will make weaning more difficult. Organizations such as La Leche League recommend longer. Worldwide the average length is seven years. The length of time is up to you.

Can I store breastmilk?

You can store breastmilk in plastic containers (bottles or bags for playtex systems). Breastmilk may be refrigerated for up to 48 hours and frozen up to 3 months in a regular freeze and 6-12 months in a deep freezer.

Is pumping or expressing the same as feeding from the breast.

From a nutritional stand point they are the same. Pumping or expressing breastmilk is a good option for women who have to return to work or simply have problems feeding from the breast. You can combine both methods, such as providing bottles during the day and feeding from the breast in the evening and on weekends.