Women's Health Services | Breastfeeding

At Hartford Hospital, we strongly believe breastfeeding is the best way to feed a newborn because breast milk contains all the nutrients a baby needs as well as natural protection against infectious and chronic diseases.

BreastfeedingWe are so committed to supporting breastfeeding mothers and babies that we underwent the rigorous challenge of earning World Health Organization Baby-Friendly Hospital status, the first hospital in Connecticut to do so.

For mothers and babies, this means that we offer a variety of support to help you successfully breastfeed your baby. Breastfeeding may be a natural act, but it does not always come easily. It is a learned behavior and we are happy to help you learn.

We Offer You

  • Education about breastfeeding before and after your baby is born. Check out our Breastfeeding with Success Classes and/or subscribe to Parent Review, our free weekly enewsletter for expectant parents which includes important information about breastfeeding and more.

  • Hands-on support while you’re in the hospital from our maternity nurses.

  • Additional help from the certified lactation consultants in our Lactation Center who are available seven days a week. Call for an appointment or with questions at 860.972.2824.

  • Peer support once you leave the hospital through our Breastfeedling Support Group, which meets every Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Hartford Hospital, ground floor, back of cafeteria. Registration is not required for the group, but you can call 860.972.9812 if you have questions. (Download the flyer)

  • We also offer a virtual support group on Facebook.

Breast Pumps

If your baby is breastfed, you need to be prepared for times when you aren’t available, either because you’ve returned to work or are sick. To help you in those times, a breast pump can help you ensure your baby has as a supply of your milk. Most health insurance plans cover the cost of pumps with no copay.

Healthy Baby Essentials can also help you obtain a breast pump. A customer service representative is available on Bliss 6, Monday-Saturday, 11am-2pm. You can also call 888.495.7491 to speak with someone from Healthy Baby Essentials outside of those hours.

For more breast pump information, you can go to the following manufacturer websites:
www.medela.com
www.ameda.com
www.baileymed.com

Online Breastfeeding Resources

facebookHartford HealthCare Breastfeeding Support Group
facebook.com/groups/268012907107456/

Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine
www.bfmed.org

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
www.acog.org

American Academy of Pediatrics HealthyChildren.org
healthychildren.org

Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses
www.awhonn.org

Empowering you with mother-to-mother support
www.breastfeedingusa.org

Foremost authority on breastfeeding information, FAQ section, working and breastfeeding section
www.lalecheleague.org

International Lactation Consultant Association®
www.ilca.org

Federal government website for general breastfeeding information
www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding

General breastfeeding information and videos (Dr. Jack Newman’s website)
www.breastfeedingonline.com/newman.shtml

Locations

 

  • Childbirth Center

    We deliver approximately 4,000 babies here each year. Chances are if you’re a native to Connecticut, you were probably born here as well. We’ve been delivering babies for the last 150 years.

  • Family Planning Clinic

    The Family Planning Clinic at the women’s ambulatory health center offers safe, confidential and comprehensive care for women who seek treatment of miscarriage, birth control and pregnancy options counseling. We specialize in innovative contraceptive techniques and in providing these services to medically high risk patients.

  • Women's Health Ambulatory Center

    At the Women's Ambulatory Health Services we offer many services designed to keep you healthy at any age or stage of your life.

Women's Health Services

  • Contact Us

    Please Note: If you should experience any pain or bleeding, or believe that there is something wrong with your pregnancy, call your health care provider immediately, go to your hospital's emergency room, or dial 911 for help.

  • Resources

    Visiting Hours
    Hartford Hospital truly values your patient experience and wants you to be aware of our visiting and parking guidelines.

    Preparing for your Maternity Stay
    It is very important to choose your baby’s doctor before coming to the hospital to deliver your baby.

  • Locations

  • Find a Doctor

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