Getting Ready to Breastfeed
Breastfeeding gives your baby the best start in life. Ask your healthcare provider questions and read as much as you can about breastfeeding. The Birthing Center at Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island provides prenatal breastfeeding classed taught by a certified lactation consultant, in-patient lactation support, as well as a breastfeeding support group for new moms and their babies (CLICK HERE FOR CLASS LISTINGS). We are also a baby-friendly workplace that provides our employees with a dedicated lactation lounge.

Benefits to Baby
Breast milk

• is the perfect food for your baby.
• is always ready for baby and at the right temperature.
• is easy to digest.
• changes as your baby’s needs change.
• protects the baby from germs and infections.
• protects against cancer, diabetes, ear infections and more.
• helps protect the baby against SIDS (crib death).

Breastfed babies have

• softer stools with less odor.
• straighter teeth and fewer speech problems.
• less illness, colds and earaches.
• less allergies, asthma and eczema.
• less weight problems, diarrhea or constipation.
• less tooth decay.

Once you decide to breastfeed,

• talk to your doctor about your decision.
• ask for information at your doctor’s office about breastfeeding.
• enroll in a breastfeeding class.
• read all you can about breastfeeding.
• contact a Lactation Consultant who can answer your questions.