Breastfeeding is a natural way to nourish your baby, but it doesn’t always come easy. Whether you’ve already committed to breastfeeding or want to give it a try, the team at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health is here for you.
We provide education and support that leads to the best possible experience for you and your baby. Our commitment to breastfeeding support has earned national recognition for many of our locations.
Some of our birth centers have earned Baby-Friendly® designation from Baby-Friendly USA. This distinction means we meet or exceed the highest standards for breastfeeding support.
Being a Baby-Friendly facility benefits breastfeeding mothers by providing:
Our breastfeeding support team teaches you techniques for overcoming common challenges. We also offer encouragement and reassurance to help make breastfeeding enjoyable and less stressful.
Highlights of our offerings include:
Breastfeeding support for premature and sick babies
We provide special accommodations that make it easier to breastfeed babies in our NICU and special care nurseries. Some locations have in-room feeding zones with refrigerators to store breastmilk and heaters to warm it up. Watch this tour of the NICU St. St. Joseph Medical Center.
Our support for breastfeeding mothers often starts before their baby is born. We offer childbirth and parenting classes to help you learn more about what to expect and how to prepare.
Classes are available in English and Spanish, including an online breastfeeding preparation class. Participants learn about feeding cues, breastfeeding positions, maintaining healthy milk production and more. Sign up online or call 1-888-825-3227 (se habla español).
You can also learn more about Baby-Friendly USA and their role in supporting breastfeeding mothers.
Find out more about our pregnancy and childbirth services or make an appointment.