April 4, 2012

For new moms like Clarissa Holland there's a lot to learn about having a new baby, especially when it comes to breastfeeding. “It's very difficult because it's my first baby,” she said.

Folks at Martha Jefferson Hospital are using the Lactation Corner to make things a bit easier for parents. The first part of the program includes one-on-one sessions with a lactation consultant.

“In the hospital, we're helping them get the basic setup: how to get the baby latched, what to look for and making sure the baby is feeding right,” said Allyson Michaels, a lactation consultant at Martha Jefferson Hospital.

Not only does the hospital offer those services, new parents can also visit the Lactation Corner shop and pick up an assortment of nursing items like breast pumps, special bras and tank tops.

“The main goal is to provide the products that the moms need immediately after birth in a nice convenient location. We're on the same floor as the O.B. unit at the hospital so it's really convenient for moms, or even dads,” said Catherine Boucher, the Director of Retail Sales at Martha Jefferson Hospital.

New parents can even find unique items like a CPR teddy bear. “It's a great teddy bear that actually can help tech and refresh parents on the steps of infant and child CPR," said Boucher.

Whether it's buying a bear that can help teach CPR or a consultation to help your newborn latch on during breastfeeding, hospital officials say the Lactation Corner is a useful resource for new moms and dads while they are patients, and even after they check out.