Call Us Our Services / Breastfeeding Breastfeeding Pediatricians located in West End & Downtown, Billings, MT Breastfeeding offers physical and emotional advantages to both mother and baby. As strong advocates of breastfeeding, the team at the Children’s Clinic employs an international board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC). The practice offers free education classes for expectant and new moms living in and around the Billings, Montana, area and offers free breastfeeding consultations for moms whose kids are Children’s Clinic patients at their offices on the West End and downtown. Find out more about breastfeeding consultations and education by calling one of the two clinics or requesting an appointment online today. Breastfeeding Q&A Why is breastfeeding beneficial? Breast milk contains the perfect mix of nutrients that change over time, so your baby gets everything they need to grow and thrive. As long as breast milk supply is good and the baby is gaining well, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends feeding a baby nothing but breast milk for the first six months of life, with continued breastfeeding for at least a year or longer if mom and baby are able. During the first few days a new mom nurses, her breast milk contains colostrum, which is a substance rich in nutrients and antibodies that offer additional protection to a newborn from contagious diseases. By day five, breast milk matures and continues to adjust to each stage of a baby’s development. In addition to the nutritional quality of breast milk, other benefits of breastfeeding include: Breast milk is easy to digest Breastfeeding protects babies from infections and illnesses Breastfed babies have a lower risk of developing asthma and allergies Breastfeeding may decrease a mother’s risk of breast or ovarian cancer Breastfeeding saves money Breastfeeding mothers miss less work because their infants are sick less often Breastfeeding also makes life easier and more convenient for moms. Though it may be hard at the beginning, over time, you and your baby settle into a breastfeeding routine. Who benefits from breastfeeding classes? Knowing the benefits of breastfeeding for moms and their babies, the Children's Clinic offers free lactation classes for expectant mothers. The team of board-certified pediatricians at the Children's Clinic encourages all expectant mothers to take advantage of the free breastfeeding classes. Having a good understanding of the how and why of breastfeeding may make it easier for you to get started after giving birth to your baby. If you have any questions after the classes, our international board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) at the office can provide the answers and support you need. When should I schedule a breastfeeding consultation? Once you’re home with your new baby, the Children's Clinic team continues to provide breastfeeding support and education. You may benefit from a breastfeeding consultation if you’re struggling to get your baby to latch on or you have engorged breasts. The certified lactation consultant teaches you techniques for improving your baby’s feeding and how to express milk from your breast to improve flow and milk production. You may also benefit from a breastfeeding consultation at the Children's Clinic if you need help using a breast pump or have questions about expressing milk and storing it for later use. The breastfeeding consultant also offers guidance for how you can continue breastfeeding when you go back to work. To find out more about breastfeeding support at the Children's Clinic, call the office or request an appointment online. What we do best Autism After Hours Care Nutrition Sick Visits Newborn Care Well Child Visit Lab Testing ADHD Show More Children's Clinic © COPYRIGHT 2021 PATIENTPOP Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Accessibility Notice Non-Discrimination Policy Contact Us