Services & Specialties
Breastfeeding and Lactation

Breastfeeding concerns cannot wait. Our goal is to help families feel confident and supported while working toward their breastfeeding goals.
New mom's Sarah Orkin and Sarah de Loizaga Carney and their new born twins Simone & Elliott

Cincinnati Children's Center for Breastfeeding Medicine 

The Cincinnati Children’s Center for Breastfeeding Medicine is the largest clinical breastfeeding service of any children’s hospital in the country.

More than 30 International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) support families through every stage of lactation. They help with preparing to breastfeed during pregnancy, latching, pumping breast milk, milk storage, weaning and maintaining milk supply when a mother and baby are separated.

Breastfeeding Care for Mothers and Infants

When breastfeeding is not going well, it can feel overwhelming. You may feel worried, tired or unsure where to turn.

Cincinnati Children’s offers breastfeeding and lactation care through three services: the Outpatient Breastfeeding Medicine Clinic, the Primary Care Breastfeeding Support Service and Inpatient Lactation Consultation.

What Makes Us Special?

  • One of the largest breastfeeding medicine programs in the nation, providing expert medical and lactation support for the mother and baby together.
  • Team-based care from more than 30 International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), comprised of pediatricians, dietitians, nurses, residents, fellows, and nurse practitioners.
  • Breastfeeding support when and where you need it most, in our outpatient breastfeeding medicine clinics, primary care locations, and inpatient settings during hospitalization.

Outpatient Breastfeeding Medicine Clinic

Experienced, High-Volume Program

The Cincinnati Children’s Breastfeeding Medicine Clinic has supported families since 2007. Today, we care for more than 3,000 mothers and infants each year.

Five pediatricians who are also International Board Certified Lactation Consultants. Our team focuses on practical, evidence-based solutions that work in everyday life.

Comprehensive Feeding Evaluation

During your visit, we observe a full breastfeeding session. We assess latch, milk transfer, infant growth and maternal health. We also help mothers who might be having difficulty with latch and are pumping their milk. In addition, we are happy to see mothers prenatally to discuss an upcoming breastfeeding plan.

If needed, we partner with specialists in otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat), gastroenterology, cardiology and infectious disease. This team approach is especially helpful for babies with complex medical needs.

Convenient, Fast Access to Care

You do not need a referral. Mothers can schedule visits during pregnancy or after delivery.

Our clinic works like an acute care service. Most families are seen within two business days.

Appointments are available at five convenient locations, including our Burnet Medical Office Building (MOB), Liberty, Green Township, Mason and Eastgate locations.

Breastfeeding Support in Primary Care

Breastfeeding Support Within the Pediatric Office

Families whose babies receive care at Burnet Pediatric Primary Care, Hopple Street Neighborhood Health Center and Fairfield Primary Care can get breastfeeding support during routine visits.

Trained lactation staff provide guidance during well-baby and follow-up appointments. Families do not need to schedule a separate visit.

As babies grow and change, our team helps parents understand how to meet their baby’s changing feeding and nutrition needs.

Inpatient Lactation Consultation

Breastfeeding Support During a Stressful Time

When a baby is hospitalized, breastfeeding can become even more challenging. Our team provides extra support during this time.

Lactation consultation is available for babies hospitalized anywhere at Cincinnati Children’s. Lactation professionals work closely with the medical team to create an individualized feeding plan that reflects the mother’s wishes and abilities.

Hospital-grade breast pumps are available during the hospital stay. If families do not have a breast pump, our staff can help them obtain one for home or Ronald McDonald House use.

After discharge, families can continue receiving care through follow-up visits in the Breastfeeding Medicine Clinic.

Breastfeeding Village - Fellow Moms.

Breastfeeding Resources

Find video, educational and support resources for you and your family to reference throughout your breastfeeding journey.
Breastfeeding mom's demonstrate various breastfeeding positions, skin-to-skin, Jenna Dilger (mother) and son Theo

Breastfeeding and Pumping at the Hospital

Nurse or pump with confidence at Cincinnati Children's.