Breastfeeding support
Breastfeeding has many benefits, both for babies and their mothers. Even though breastfeeding is a natural process, it’s not always easy. Many mothers need extra help getting started and support after they return home from the hospital. UCHealth is committed to helping you successfully breastfeed your baby.
Baby-friendly hospitals
UCHealth’s University of Colorado Hospital and Memorial Hospitals Central and North have been designated as Baby-Friendly hospitals.
These UCHealth hospitals strive to create the best possible environment for mothers to successfully breastfeed their babies.
Expert guidance from lactation consultants
UCHealth offers a full range of breastfeeding support services, regardless of where you deliver your baby.
All UCHealth lactation consultants in our metro Denver, Colorado Springs, Longmont and Fort Collins locations are specially trained to teach proven breastfeeding methods and provide personal support and counseling.
Our lactation services include:
- One-on-one consultations available in person or virtually.
- Lactation support program.
- Breastfeeding support groups (see below).
- Premature infant breastfeeding support.
- Back to work breastfeeding support.
- Breast pump sales and rentals.
- Donor milk services.
Getting started with breastfeeding
The “golden hour” immediately after birth is a crucial time for bonding with your baby, which improves your ability to breastfeed.
To promote bonding and help get breastfeeding off to the right start, we encourage you to hold your baby skin-to-skin as much as possible in the hours and days after birth. Rooming-in (keeping your baby in your room during your hospital stay) helps with that process.
When mother’s milk isn’t available, donor breast milk may help your baby thrive and grow. To learn more about securing or donating breast milk, ask to speak with one of our lactation consultants.
Breastfeeding support groups
Virtual support groups are available at select UCHealth locations. Please call facility of choice for more information.
Your decision to breastfeed is good for you and your baby. UCHealth hosts weekly breastfeeding support groups at facilities along the Front Range. In this group, you will have an opportunity to meet other moms, ask questions and address concerns with a postpartum RN or a lactation consultant. No registration is required.