Breastfeeding and Newborn Care Center opens

The Breastfeeding and Newborn Care Center, recently opened at Prisma Health Patewood Hospital in Greenville, helps ensure a seamless transition from hospital to home for breastfeeding moms and their newborns. Note that moms do not have to deliver at Patewood Hospital to take advantage of these services.

The center is staffed with internationally board-certified lactation consultants (IBCLCs) and occupational therapists specializing in newborn therapy. Therapeutic services for newborns are provided by Kidnetics®, a department of Prisma Health Children’s Hospital. So whether mom or baby is having challenges, the center has them covered in one convenient site.

The center has its own private entrance. Once inside, moms can feel at home in this warm, nurturing environment. Special breastfeeding recliners, low lighting and spa-like amenities provide the perfect atmosphere to relax and embrace these teaching moments.

The center features spa-like amenities for breastfeeding moms.

Many new mothers do not realize that breastfeeding is a skill that she and her baby must learn together. That means it may take a while to get the hang of it. IBCLCs provide one-on-one sessions that offer hands-on assistance, expert help and individualized planning to speed this learning process. Common issues they address with breastfeeding moms include: • Complications with latch • Sore nipples • Milk supply issues • Breast engorgement • Collection and storage of breast milk • Follow-up for preterm feeding difficulties

Support for baby

Multiple factors may affect a newborn’s ability to coordinate suck-swallow-breathe actions, such as: • Latch issues • Sleepiness/arousal • Inability to suck • Respiration • Oropharyngeal skills • Anatomical structures

Sometimes, the cause is obvious, but oftentimes not. Kidnetics occupational therapists, led by a board-certified feeding specialist, can help identify and correct many newborn feeder issues. In addition, our therapists can help with these conditions: • Cranial facial anomalies (cleft lip, cleft palate, micrognathia) • Torticollis • Shoulder dystocia • Erb’s palsy • Clavicle fractures • Neonatal abstinence syndrome

To schedule an appointment

To make an appointment or learn more about center services and how they can help patients, call: • For breastfeeding and lactation support (no referral needed), 864-797-1020. • For Kidnetics occupational therapy (referral needed), 864-331-1350.

Breastfeeding and Newborn Care Center 175 Patewood Dr. Greenville, SC 29615 Hours: Weekdays 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Learn more about Kidnetics at: https://PrismaHealth.org/Kidnetics

Muted colors and hardwood floors offer a soothing environment.

Because breast milk provides all the nutrients a baby needs, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least 12 months, with exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. Breast milk helps protect babies from developing obesity, diabetes, childhood leukemia, ear infections, allergies, GI and respiratory illnesses. For moms, breast milk offers protection from conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and breast and ovarian cancers. A combined health benefit is that breastfeeding promotes natural bonding between a mother and her newborn.