Lactation Rooms and Breastfeeding Support
Whether you're staying with your child in the hospital or visiting for an appointment, Cincinnati Children's supports breastfeeding and pumping families. You are welcome to breastfeed anywhere at any Cincinnati Children's location. If you prefer more privacy, our hospitals and many of our office locations offer dedicated lactation rooms (sometimes called nursing rooms or breastfeeding rooms). If not, other private, non-bathroom spaces for breastfeeding or pumping can be provided. Staff can assist you in finding a comfortable space.
Lactation Rooms
Lactation Rooms are available at the Burnet and Liberty hospital campuses, and many other Cincinnati Children's locations also offer these private spaces.
If you need help finding a Lactation Room or another private, non-bathroom space, simply ask any staff member.
Each Lactation Room includes a Medela Symphony® hospital-grade breast pump that you may use if you do not have your own pump with you. You will need your own personal Symphony pump parts, as they are not provided in the rooms.
If you need pump parts:
- If your baby is staying in the hospital, ask a member of your care team for a personal pump kit.
- If you are visiting the Burnet campus, you can purchase a personal pump kit at the Emergency Department Pharmacy, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Breastfeeding Support During an Inpatient Hospital Stay
If your child is staying overnight at Cincinnati Children's, breastfeeding and pumping support is available throughout the hospital.
Your child's nurse can request a Medela Symphony® hospital-grade breast pump be brought to your room, along with a personal pump kit for your use. Lactation consultation and support are also available to help you continue breastfeeding or expressing breast milk during your child's hospital stay.
Breastfeeding and Pumping During Outpatient Visits
If your child is visiting Cincinnati Children's for surgery, testing, a clinic appointment or another visit, your normal breastfeeding or pumping routine may be temporarily interrupted.
To make your visit easier, we recommend bringing:
- Your personal breast pump
- Pump parts
- A cooler bag for storing expressed breast milk
Visiting With Another Child While Breastfeeding a Baby
If you're accompanying another child to an appointment while also caring for a breastfeeding baby, you're welcome to breastfeed your baby or pump during your visit to maintain your milk supply.
Planning ahead by bringing your own breast pump and a cooler bag can make your visit more convenient. You can also ask your care team whether your baby may be with you for part or all of the visit for the other child.
