Breastfeeding Information

Get expert breastfeeding support at CoxHealth. Learn about latching, engorgement, plugged ducts, and connect with certified lactation consultants.

Woman in hospital bed breastfeeding newborn
Resources Common Concerns

Breast Milk is the Ideal Food for Babies

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth. Furthermore, the AAP supports continued breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods introduced at about 6 months, as long as mutually desired by mother and child for 2 years or beyond.

Why Should I Breastfeed?

Good for Baby

  • Breast milk helps your baby grow strong and healthy.
  • Breast milk is the perfect food for your baby – just what baby needs, in just the right amounts.
  • Breastfed babies have fewer doctor visits and fewer trips to the hospital.
  • Breast milk changes to meet your growing baby’s needs. Formula can’t do that.
  • Breastfed babies have less colic, constipation, and diarrhea.
  • Breast milk is gentle for your baby’s stomach and easy to digest.
  • Breastfed babies have fewer earaches, colds, asthma, food allergies, and eczema.
  • Breastfed babies’ diapers have very little odor.

Good for Mom

  • Breastfeeding helps with postpartum weight loss and helps your uterus return to its normal size more quickly.
  • Breast milk is always available. It doesn’t require any mixing, measuring, heating, sterilizing, refrigeration, or cleanup.
  • Nighttime feedings are quick and easy.
  • Breastfeeding doesn’t cost anything.
  • Babies who breastfeed are easy to take along when travelling.
  • Breastfeeding is a great opportunity to cuddle with your baby.
  • Breastfeeding helps you feel confident as a mother.
  • Reading to an older child while you breastfeed your baby allows you to enjoy time with both of them.
  • Breastfeeding is a gift only you can give to your baby.
  • Reduces risk of breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers.
  • Reduces postpartum depression, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes

Additional Information and Resources

How to Prepare to Breastfeed

While you’re expecting, register for our Breastfeeding Basics class to learn about proper latch and positioning, preventing nipple pain, signs your baby is getting enough, and more. After birth, our nursing and lactation support professionals can help you get started. During your first month postpartum, attend our Back to Work Breastfeeding class for guidance on continuing your breastfeeding journey after returning to work.

Once you’re home, lactation consultations are available by phone or by appointment through our Women’s Centers in Springfield and Branson. Our Springfield location also offers nursing bras, breastfeeding supplies, insurance-covered breast pumps, and hospital-grade pump rentals.

Latching for You and Your Baby

If your baby is latching before you leave the hospital:

  • Latching should feel comfortable.
  • Make sure you can hear your baby swallowing during feedings.
  • Feed your baby 8 to 12 times in 24 hours.
  • Keep a breastfeeding diary.
  • Track wet and dirty diapers to ensure your baby is getting enough milk.
  • By 1 week of age, your baby should have six or more wet diapers and three or more yellow, seedy stools every 24 hours.
  • Schedule and attend weight-check appointments.
  • Your baby should return to birth weight by 14 days.

If your baby is not latching before you leave the hospital:

  • Pump eight times in 24 hours using a double electric pump.
  • Feed your baby every 2 to 3 hours with an infant feeding cup, finger feeder, or paced bottle.
  • Spend time skin-to-skin with your baby.
  • Keep a diary of pumping times, your baby’s feedings, and wet and dirty diapers.
  • By 1 week of age, your baby should have six or more wet diapers and three or more yellow, seedy stools every 24 hours.
  • Schedule and attend weight-check appointments.
  • Your baby should return to birth weight by 14 days.
  • Schedule a lactation consultation for help with latching.

The Lactation Club - Breastfeeding/Pumping Support Group

Breastfeeding or pumping moms are welcome to join with their babies. Partners are not included. Stop by for a baby weight check, get questions answered by our lactation consultants, or connect with other moms. No registration is required. Follow CoxHealth Moms on Facebook or visit our Calendar of Events to see dates and times.

CoxHealth Moms Calendar of Events

Missouri Show-Me 5 Initiative

CoxHealth follows the Missouri Show-Me 5 Initiative to help you reach your breastfeeding goals. We encourage skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth and recommend:

  • Begin breastfeeding within the first hour after birth.
  • Rooming-in: infants stay in the same room as their mother after birth.
  • Give infants only breast milk unless medically necessary.
  • Avoid pacifiers or artificial nipples for breastfeeding infants.
  • Attend our breastfeeding support group.

Common Breastfeeding Concerns

Need breastfeeding support?

Our lactation consultants are here to help you feel confident and comfortable. If you are experiencing pain, swelling, or trouble latching, call the Women’s Center, and select option 2 to speak with a member of our team.

Call the Women's Center