Expecting a baby? Want a way to protect your new infant from ear infections, gastrointestinal upset, allergies, asthma, juvenile diabetes, increase his or her IQ level, save over one thousand dollars the first year of life, and decrease garbage in land fills? You can do all this for your new baby, your family and your environment. How? It's easy. Breastfeed your baby!   

Mother's milk is a natural body fluid that contains the right amounts of calories, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals to support your baby's brain growth and development, grow strong bones and mature the nervous system. The milk contains antibodies that protect your infant from infections. It is the perfect source of nutrition.  

At Geisinger, we promote and encourage breastfeeding. We follow The World Health Organization and U.N.I.C.E.F.'s guidelines to promote breastfeeding. We have written policies and procedures. All our breastfeeding babies are allowed to nurse within one half hour after birth, thus turning instincts into skill. None are fed water, glucose water or artificial baby milk (formula based on cow's milk). Infants are allowed to nurse on cue.  The nursing staff has been trained to assist mothers with positioning, latch on, and how to tell if the infant is taking in milk. If for medical reasons the baby needs other nutrition, the supplemental feeding is given without the use of nipples. Mom and Dad can be taught this method of feeding. Parents leave the hospital with written instructions and phone numbers to call for support. The nursing staff answers calls around the clock. If mom has not purchased a breast pump, Geisinger moms can receive a manual breast pump kit to take home.

More

• Lactation consultant
• Lactation guidelines

Contact us

Lactation Services
Diane Hertzog
570-271-6560