One major choice women make during pregnancy is whether they will breastfeed. Experts agree that when you breastfeed, you provide your baby with the best possible nutrition. The first few weeks of breastfeeding can be challenging sometimes, and it’s helpful to have advice and encouragement.
Lawrence Memorial Hospital offers breastfeeding support for new mothers. It begins with breastfeeding classes and continues during the birthing process with lactation consultants from the Mother Baby Unit, who are specially trained and certified in breastfeeding support. A free Breastfeeding Support Group also takes place weekly at LMH.
LMH recently opened a new and exciting addition to the breastfeeding support network. The Perfect Fit is a store that offers home care items for pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum mothers. Products include clothing, bras, breastfeeding supplies, massage oils to help ease the mother during labor and many other specialty items.
“Perfect Fit is so close and it offers a good selection of items all in one place,” said Katie Banks, a recent Perfect Fit customer. “They didn’t have the item I wanted in the color I wanted, so they ordered it for me. The women who work there are so nice.”
Nurses are always on hand to help mothers find the ideal fitting bras and clothing and educate mothers about the products they purchase. An infant weight scale is also available.
“Perfect Fit is a great resource for new mothers in the community. Not only do we offer products for new mothers at one convenient location, we are unique because our store is staffed by lactation consultants and trained staff members from the Mother/Baby Unit,” said Isabel Schmedemann, Director of the Mother/Baby Unit.
Because the first two weeks after birth usually prove to be the most challenging time for breastfeeding, LMH offers free consultations for mothers during that time. There is a $40 fee for each consultation after that two week period and for those who didn’t deliver at LMH. All visits are individualized and can address any issue a mother may be facing. Issues may range from milk production problems to infant weight loss.
Need some help planning a baby shower? Perfect Fit can help. They offer a unique party service. They have a repertoire of fun party games, they will give product demonstrations, and they offer gift baskets that will truly help mom. There is even a gift registry available.
Perfect Fit is located next to the Maternity Unit on the third floor of Lawrence Memorial Hospital, open 9 a.m.-noon, Monday-Friday and by appointment. For questions or to make an appointment call 785-840-2738.