St. Tammany Health System, already recognized as a Baby-Friendly institution by the World Health Organization and UNICEF’s Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, just got baby-friendlier.
As part of its community outreach efforts, the health system has introduced an outpatient lactation consult program, designed for new moms in need of assistance or advice as they begin their breast-feeding journey with their new baby.
The announcement coincides with the recognition of August as Breastfeeding Awareness Month.
The new service, conducted by a lactation consultant certified by the globally recognized International Board of Lactation Examiners, is offered at the health system’s Paul D. Cordes Outpatient Pavilion (16300 Bootlegger Road, Covington).
Appointments can be made by calling (985) 898-4446. A mother need not have had her baby at St. Tammany Health System to use this new community service.
Studies show that breastmilk provides immune protection and benefits newborns as long as they continue to breastfeed. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a baby’s life when possible.
In addition to its outpatient lactation consulting program, St. Tammany Health System supports nursing mothers with a 24-hour, non-emergency breastfeeding help line (985-898-4446). Additionally, its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit hosts a breast milk donor depot for approved donors of the Mother’s Milk Bank of Louisiana.
Since 2018, the New Family Center at St. Tammany Health System has been recognized as a Baby-Friendly hospital, part of an international program recognizing healthcare institutions that follow established guidelines to breastfeeding success. It has also received the Birth Ready designation from the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative.
Since opening in 1954 as St. Tammany Parish Hospital, St. Tammany Health System has become the premiere birthing destination on the Northshore, with more than 60,000 babies born there.
Learn more at www.sttammany.health/NewFamily.