Breastfeeding and Lactation Support

At The University of Kansas Health System, our lactation care team supports patients at all stages of breastfeeding. We have 1 of the most advanced lactation programs in the region, where providers and patients trust breastfeeding support from the No. 1 hospital in Kansas City as ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

Breastfeeding is an investment in health for both you and your baby. It is not just a lifestyle decision. Infants who are breastfed have reduced risk of:

• Asthma
• Diabetes (type 1 and 2)
• Ear infections
• Gastrointestinal infections (diarrhea and vomiting)
• Lower respiratory disease
• Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants
• Obesity
• Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

Benefits for the breastfeeding parent include lowering your risk of:

• Breast cancer
• High blood pressure
• Ovarian cancer
• Type 2 diabetes

Prenatal

Breastfeeding basics classes are held monthly and are free to all who will deliver at The University of Kansas Health System. Childbirth and infant care classes are also available at no charge.

Pregnant people in our affiliated prenatal clinics receive information regarding breastfeeding, and prenatal lactation appointments are available prior to delivery.

The University of Kansas Health System has partnered with YoMingo to provide important information about caring for yourself and your newborn. This includes a robust breastfeeding section available through a comprehensive mobile app and website. Learn about overcoming common breastfeeding challenges, pumping, milk storage and more. This is a free resource. There’s no cost to use YoMingo.

To register:

1. Download the free YoMingo app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Go to the registration page at KansasHealthSystem.com/YoMingo.

Complete and submit the registration form. Then, you’ll receive a confirmation email from NoReply@YoMingo.com. It will contain your login details and a temporary password.

While in the hospital

Our staff education program was created by lactation experts across our health system and university campus. All maternity nurses have received no less than 20 hours of breastfeeding education. All affiliated providers have received a minimum of 3 hours of breastfeeding education, with the pediatric provider staff completing more than 20 hours of continuing education in breastfeeding.

Our dedicated team of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) is available 7 days a week. The lactation team visits with all breastfeeding patients during their stay, with special attention to those who are experiencing challenges.

Our nurses and lactation consultants review feeding plans with each breastfeeding family and provide community breastfeeding support information before they go home.

After your stay

The lactation consultants remain available 7 days a week to answer breastfeeding questions through the Lactation Help Line: 913-588-5640.

Our pediatric services include skilled lactation care in an outpatient setting. Appointments are available at all our pediatric clinic locations. Clinics are in Prairie Village, Shawnee and Kansas City, Kansas. Call 913-588-6300 to schedule an appointment.