Breastfeeding and Lactation Support

At The University of Kansas Health System, our lactation care teams support patients at all stages of breastfeeding. We have one of the most robust lactation programs in the region, where providers and patients trust the skilled lactation support from the No. 1 hospital in Kansas City as ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

Breastfeeding is an investment in health for both you and your baby. It is not just a lifestyle decision. Infants who are breastfed have reduced risk of:

• Asthma
• Diabetes (type 1 and 2)
• Ear infections
• Gastrointestinal infections (diarrhea and vomiting)
• Lower respiratory disease
• Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants
• Obesity
• Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

Benefits for the breastfeeding parent include lowering your risk of:

• Breast cancer
• High blood pressure
• Ovarian cancer
• Type 2 diabetes

Prenatal

Learn the basics of breastfeeding in our 90-minute recorded class. Designed to watch at your own pace, this class includes information on the importance of breastfeeding, signs of an effective latch and how to know your baby is getting enough milk, as well as tips for milk expression and returning to work or school.

After watching the recorded class, join one of our live Ask a Lactation Consultant sessions, which are held virtually each month. These drop-in sessions are a great way to get all your breastfeeding questions and concerns addressed in a group setting. There is no set agenda for these sessions, and support people are welcome. In-person meetings are available for those planning to deliver at The Birth Place in Olathe.

Explore our recorded, virtual and in-person breastfeeding classes.

The University of Kansas Health System has partnered with Bump2Baby360 to provide important information about caring for yourself and your newborn. This includes a robust breastfeeding section available through a comprehensive mobile app and website. Learn about overcoming common breastfeeding challenges, pumping, milk storage and more. This is a free resource. There’s no cost to use Bump2Baby360.

To register:

1. Download the free Bump2Baby360 app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Go to the registration page at Bump2Baby360.

Complete and submit the registration form. Then, you’ll receive a confirmation email from NoReply@Bump2Baby360.com. It will contain your login details and a temporary password.

While in the hospital

Our staff education program ensures all maternity nurses are specially trained to support your unique feeding goals. All affiliated providers have received a minimum of 3 hours of breastfeeding education, and our pediatric staff have completed more than 20 hours of continuing education in breastfeeding and lactation.

Our dedicated team of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) is available 7 days a week. The lactation team visits with all breastfeeding patients during their stay, with special attention to those who are experiencing challenges.

Our nurses and lactation consultants review feeding plans with each breastfeeding family and provide community breastfeeding support information before they go home.

After your stay

The lactation team is available to answer breastfeeding questions through our Lactation Help Lines .

Our pediatric services include skilled lactation care in an outpatient setting. Appointments are available at all our pediatric clinic locations. Clinics are in Prairie Village, Shawnee and Kansas City, Kansas. Call 913-588-6300 to schedule an appointment.