Certified Lactation Specialists are available to provide support and education to breast-feeding moms before and after delivery. Services are available at no charge in person or over the phone. To schedule an appointment call 419-373-7665.
In addition, monthly breast-feeding support groups meet on the first Tuesday of each month from 6-7pm.
Breastfeeding pumps can be obtained for home use through Northwest Ohio Medical Equipment. Call 419-352-7021 for more information.
Human milk is capable of providing life-altering protection and nourishment for infants, and premature births; however, many of the women who give birth to these children are not able to produce nearly enough of this critical nutrition to support their child. Fortunately, Wood County Hospital is one of seven locations in Ohio that is offering free lab draws for women to see if they are eligible to donate their breast milk to the OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank in Columbus.
The OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank provides donated pasteurized breast milk to mothers who are unable to provide their own, which in turn provides extreme health benefits to children. Premature-born, near-term and term babies are at a greater risk of developing Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), which causes damage to the intestinal tract, when consuming formula-based milk versus human breast milk.
OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank accepts donor milk year round and accepts whatever amount donors are able to give. To donate to the OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank call the bank at (614) 566-0630, or e-mail milkbank@ohiohealth.com.