Breastfeeding
Babies were born to breastfeed, and your body is designed for it. It’s one of the best things you can do for your baby. Why?
- Breastfeeding gives your baby a healthy start.
- Cells, hormones and antibodies in breastmilk help protect babies from illness.
- Breastfeeding also helps a mother’s health and healing following childbirth and leads to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, certain types of breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
- Breastfeeding saves lives. Research shows that if 90% of families breastfed exclusively for six months, nearly 1,000 infant deaths could be prevented each year.
- Breastfeeding saves money, from the savings of purchasing formula to the lower medical costs for breastfed infants.
- Breastfeeding is better for the environment because formula cans, bottles and supplies create plastic waste.
Willis-Knighton is committed to helping you accomplish this for your baby. We were the first health system in Louisiana to earn GIFT (Guided Infant Feeding Techniques) certification from the Louisiana Maternal and Child Health Coalition. We’ve been recognized for our efforts to protect, promote and support breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding Class
We offer a breastfeeding class and recommend that you take this in week 27 or later of your pregnancy. This is a great way to prepare for breastfeeding in advance, learn techniques and have your questions answered.
Register Online
Lactation Consulting
To support your breastfeeding efforts, we offer free lactation services to new mothers. When you’re in the hospital, you will be visited by a lactation consultant. When you go home, our lactation consultants are still available to you. We want to be sure you are successful and these services are provided to you at no cost even after you go home. To get help, call the lactation consultant at the hospital where you delivered and one will be happy to answer your questions or schedule an appointment.
- Willis-Knighton South & the Center for Women’s Health
(318) 212-5632
- WK Bossier Health Center
(318) 212-7147
- WK Pierremont Health Center
(318) 212-3081
Breastfeeding Support Group
Join the cafe experience with light refreshments and a space to encourage the nourishment of baby and each other. Share your experiences, ask questions, learn from and encourage each other on your feeding journeys. Participants are welcome to bring baby and expecting parents are invited as well. The group is guided by a board-certified lactation consultant to address common concerns and issues you may be facing. Registration is suggested but not required.
View Schedule
Online Education