Newborn and fetal care

Breastfeeding resources and lactation program

Children's Wisconsin is one of the nation's top pediatric hospitals and the only regional independent health care system dedicated solely to the health and well-being of children. Every day, we are working to advance our vision — that the kids of Wisconsin will be the healthiest in the nation.

We know how important breastfeeding and mother's milk is to the health and development of babies. Our team of lactation experts promote, protect and support breastfeeding and the use of breast milk for our Children’s community and partners. We offer a variety of services to mothers with questions and concerns about breastfeeding, pumping, medications and more.

Breastfeeding support

Children’s Wisconsin is proud to offer many breastfeeding resources including a monthly breastfeeding support and education session. Learn more.

About breastfeeding and breast milk feeding

Human milk is a complex fluid that provides hundreds of components that support the growth and development of your baby. It provides the best nutrition and gives your baby protection against infection. Breast milk contains other important components like growth factors, hormones and enzymes. Breast milk changes in composition and amount from birth onward to meet an infant’s constantly changing needs.

Because breast milk protects your baby from illness and infection, it helps your baby to be healthier now and throughout his or her life. That protection is even more important for babies who are sick, need surgery or are premature. You can make sure your baby has the essential nutrients he or she needs to grow, develop, and recover from surgery or illness by breastfeeding or pumping your milk and providing it to your child.

Children’s follows the American Academy of Pediatrics breastfeeding recommendations – that all infants should be exclusively breastfed or receive breast milk for the first six months of life as complementary foods are introduced, then to continue breastfeeding or feeding breast milk for two years or longer as desired by both mother and child.

Breastfeeding & lactation programs and services

Our teams in Milwaukee and the Fox Valley include lactation consultants who are registered pediatric nurses and international board certified lactation consultants. We offer a wealth of experience and knowledge working with premature infants through toddlers. We offer support to breastfeeding mothers and their babies to help you have a positive and successful breastfeeding experience. Our staff also helps mothers who express their milk (remove milk from their breasts) for feedings.

Certified lactation counselors (CLCs), who are also registered nurses, are also available to help and support families.