Breastfeeding Support That Grows With You and Your Baby

Lactation Support to Help You Breastfeed with Confidence

Breastfeeding is a special bonding experience, but it can also bring questions and feel overwhelming at times. Bayhealth’s Lactation Services are here to support you with care, guidance and reassurance every step of the way.

As a Baby-Friendly® designated hospital, Bayhealth offer’s hands-on lactation support during your hospital stay. Certified lactation specialists meet with you and your baby to provide guidance on positioning, latching and feeding. In addition, all Bayhealth nurses receive ongoing breastfeeding education and are available to assist you after delivery.

Our team includes International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) who work one-on-one with moms to help you feel confident feeding your baby, whether you are just getting started or navigating a challenge. We are here to answer questions, share tips and support what works best for you and your family.

Proud to Be Baby-Friendly® Designated

At Bayhealth, supporting breastfeeding families is not just something we offer. It is part of who we are.

Bayhealth has earned Baby-Friendly® Designation through a rigorous, internationally recognized program developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. This designation reflects our commitment to giving babies the healthiest possible start and supporting moms with evidence-based education and compassionate care.

From your first feeding to those early bonding moments, our specialists focus on nurturing newborn feeding and strengthening the connection between you and your baby.

Classes and Support Groups for Moms

Learning and connecting with others can be an important part of the breastfeeding experience.

Bayhealth offers lactation classes and support groups led by International Board Certified Lactation Consultants. These sessions provide practical skills, reliable information and the opportunity to ask questions in a supportive setting.

Whether you are breastfeeding, pumping, supplementing or exploring feeding options, classes and support groups are designed to meet you where you are and provide guidance you can trust.

To see upcoming classes and events, visit our Classes & Events page.

The 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding

Bayhealth follows the internationally recognized 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, so you can expect consistent, supportive care during your hospital stay and beyond.

Every facility providing maternity services and care for newborn infants should:

  1. Have a written breastfeeding policy that is routinely communicated to all health care staff
  2. Train all healthcare staff in the skills needed to support breastfeeding
  3. Inform pregnant women about the benefits and management of breastfeeding
  4. Help mothers begin breastfeeding within one hour of birth
  5. Show mothers how to breastfeed and how to maintain milk supply, even if separated from their infants
  6. Give infants no food or drink other than breast milk unless medically indicated
  7. Practice rooming-in and allow mothers and infants to stay together 24 hours a day
  8. Encourage breastfeeding based on infant cues
  9. Avoid pacifiers or artificial nipples for breastfeeding infants
  10. Support breastfeeding groups and connect mothers with resources when they leave the hospital or birth center

Our goal is to create an environment where breastfeeding is supported, education is consistent and families feel informed and respected in their care decisions.

Helpful Breastfeeding Resources

Additional breastfeeding support is available through local and statewide community resources.

Bayhealth Lactation Support

If you have questions after you go home, Bayhealth offers a lactation support line with responses provided within 24 hours. You can also schedule a one on one prenatal or postpartum lactation consultation or feeding evaluation with a specialist.

Breastfeeding women may call 302 744 7233 to schedule an outpatient appointment at the Bayhealth, Kent or Sussex campus.

Delaware WIC Program

Lactation support is available for all WIC-eligible prenatal and breastfeeding moms at all 11 WIC clinics in Delaware. Services are also available in Spanish.

Call 1-800-222-2189.

La Leche League

Mother-to-mother breastfeeding support

Breastfeeding Coalition of Delaware

Provides education, advocacy and breastfeeding support throughout the state.