Our goal at St Vincent's Medical Center is to provide you with the most accurate and up to date information and to support your choice to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is recognized today as the ideal way to nurture your baby. Human milk enhances a baby's health, growth and development. It is the best form of infant nutrition and it provides protection against infection, allergies and many illnesses. Breastfeeding is the most convenient and least expensive way to feed your baby. It saves time and energy for a busy mother. Many mothers start out breastfeeding because they know of its many benefits and continue because they enjoy the special bond they share with their baby. 

There are many ways dads and other family members can help:

• Encourage mom
• Help watch baby for hunger cues
• Change diapers
• Bring baby to mom for feeding 
• Assisting with household chores and meals

Attending a Prenatal Breastfeeding Class (before delivery) will help prepare you and provide you with early lactation education that will encourage your breastfeeding success.