Compass Communications

Lactation Station

By Ashley D. Hoseclaw, MSN, RN, IBCLC
Perinatal Educator, Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital

Breastfeeding support has become much more accessible in our community. You just need to know where to go when you need help.

I serve as perinatal educator and international board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital. I teach monthly prenatal and breastfeeding classes that help prepare expectant mothers for delivery and care for baby and for herself in the early postpartum period. 

The classes are generally three to four hours long. We discuss breastfeeding basics and how to get started during the first half of the session, then review how to have a healthy pregnancy, when to come to the hospital, true vs. false labor, options for pain relief during labor, postpartum care, and newborn care in the early days of baby’s life.

These classes are ideal for patients who will be delivering at LCRH, as many details discussed are specific to our facility. However, even patients who deliver elsewhere can benefit. The breastfeeding information is applicable no matter where mom has her baby, though processes and services available after delivery can vary by facility.

Classes are free, but we prefer patients pre-register at: lakecumberlandhospital.com/breastfeeding-prenatal-classes (or through the QR code below) so we can plan for space, refreshments, and gifts. Expectant mothers are encouraged to bring support people such as partners, spouses, mother, etc., if they would like. The families attending our classes report feeling less anxious as they prepare for delivery. This time also allows us the opportunity to establish a connection prior to delivery. Class attendees leave with my contact information and are encouraged to reach out if other questions arise after we meet.

Specialty certifications

At LCRH, we have many nurses with specialty certifications allowing us to provide the best care to our patients. We have nurses who specialize in perinatal/infant bereavement, obstetric care, medical/surgical care, fetal monitoring, neonatal care, and several certified lactation counselors (CLCs). During your hospital stay and beyond, you also have access to me as your lactation consultant for as long as you are breastfeeding. My goal is to meet every breastfeeding mother during her stay, though if we miss that opportunity I am still available for free consults via phone or in person. Patients can follow up with me as needed for as long as the breastfeeding relationship continues. This free service is offered to all delivering patients at LCRH. 

Latch with Love support group

January marked our one-year anniversary of our Latch with Love breastfeeding support meetings. We host free meetings once a month. We typically meet in the Children’s Department at Pulaski County Public Library, though meetings may be held at alternate locations. These events are advertised through the Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital Facebook page. Expectant mothers with interest in breastfeeding, mothers of breastfeeding infants/children, and their children are welcome to attend, regardless of where they delivered or receive care. We provide snacks, free items, giveaways, and connection with like-minded ladies. We offer group education, one-on-one personalized lactation care, and weight checks for babies. You do not have to be experiencing problems to attend, many ladies come to socialize and connect with other women and children in the same stage of life.

Community partners

Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital works closely with the Lake Cumberland District Health Department. The LCDHD offers breastfeeding support through the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor program. This program is led by Heather Capps, RN, CLC, the Regional WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator. 

There are six peer counselors throughout the ten-county district. Once a participant is signed up for WIC (Women, Infants, & Children) program, they are assigned to a breastfeeding peer counselor for education and peer support. This assistance continues through pregnancy and while breastfeeding. 

WIC peer counselors are women who live in our community who have breastfed their own child(ren) and have been trained by WIC to guide mothers in feeding their babies. Heather and her team have also attended Latch with Love meetings to support the program and the families involved.

I encourage moms planning to breastfeed to research breastfeeding support during their pregnancy. Some pediatric and obstetric offices also offer professional breastfeeding support. Know that you don’t have to do it alone and support is available. 

Our team at LCRH would love to help you in your breastfeeding journey.