Complete breastfeeding support for you and your baby
Breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial way to nourish your baby. But it can come with challenges. Our Maimonides Women’s Health team provides complete breastfeeding education and support. Expecting moms and new parents can work to meet their goals with confidence.
We want you to be successful. That’s why our board-certified lactation consultants work closely with you, your medical team, and any support staff to meet your needs. Whether you’re preparing to breastfeed, learning in the hospital, or breastfeeding at home, we’re here to offer guidance every step of the way.
Find a lactation consultant
Do you need breastfeeding support?
Call to schedule: 718-283-6000 (ask for the Maternity Unit)
Schedule an appointment online
Why breastfeeding matters
Breastfeeding helps both you and your newborn. When you breastfeed, it:
- Gives your baby the best nutrients to grow and stay healthy
- Strengthens your baby’s immune system and helps prevent infections
- Creates a strong bond between you and your baby
- Lowers the risk of postpartum depression and certain chronic diseases in moms
Learn about breastfeeding before your baby arrives
It’s important to get ready for breastfeeding before your baby is born. This can make it easier for you. We can answer your questions and teach you what you can expect and how to tackle any issues you may face. At Maimonides, we offer:
- Classes to teach breastfeeding basics, techniques, what to expect, and how to navigate potential difficulties
- Guidance on choosing a breast pump and getting breastfeeding supplies
- Support to connect with other expecting and new parents
Our prenatal services help you build confidence and ensure you have everything you need when your baby arrives. Learn more about our pregnancy and birth services and Brooklyn Parenting Center.
Support in the hospital after delivery
After birth, breastfeeding support begins immediately. Our lactation consultants are with you one-on-one to help with:
- Immediate skin-to-skin contact to encourage the first latch
- Positioning, milk supply, and common concerns
We offer new parents daily breastfeeding classes in the Mother and Baby Unit. And our breastfeeding resources and guides are available in 11 different languages.
We also provide specialized breastfeeding support for newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). If your baby is in the NICU, you may be able to provide pumped breast milk, and donor milk may be available in some cases.
Ongoing support after you leave the hospital
Breastfeeding can be ongoing from the day your baby is born to the day your baby turns one. We understand that when you’re nursing, challenges can come up at any time — they don’t always end when you leave the hospital. That’s why we offer:
- Virtual lactation support through our partnership with SimpliFed
- In-person and phone consultations to address milk supply, engorgement (when breasts become overly full or swollen), latch issues, mastitis (a painful breast infection that can happen when milk builds up in the breast), and safe milk storage
- Access to breastfeeding resources and referrals for additional support
Our Breast Health Services provide additional information and guidance for managing common breast concerns.
We also partner with N’shei C.A.R.E.S. of Agudah Women of America, a volunteer program that provides personalized breastfeeding techniques and emotional support for new mothers. Learn more about this and other volunteer programs.
Call to schedule: 718-283-6000 (ask for the Maternity Unit)
Schedule an appointment online
Annual Breastfeeding Awareness Celebration
Each year, Maimonides Health hosts the Breastfeeding Awareness Celebration to support and educate parents about the benefits of breastfeeding. This event brings together lactation experts, healthcare providers, and families to celebrate the importance of breastfeeding and provide valuable resources for new moms. Learn more about our Breastfeeding Awareness Celebration.