Empowering moms: CHRISTUS Ochsner Lake Area recognizes Breastfeeding Awareness Month

In recognition of National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, CHRISTUS Ochsner Lake Area Hospital is highlighting the comprehensive lactation services available through its Mother Baby Clinic and inpatient support team.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 60% of mothers do not breastfeed for as long as they intend to due to issues with lactation and latching.

Leslie Bradley, registered nurse and lactation consultant with CHRISTUS Ochsner Lake Area Hospital’s Mother Baby Clinic, said “fed is always best,” but encourages expecting and new mothers to know the benefits of breastfeeding.

“Our goal is to ensure mothers feel confident and supported through every stage of their breastfeeding journey,” Bradley said. “Breastfeeding offers significant benefits, from helping babies fight off infections to supporting brain development. Our team is committed to empowering moms with education, compassion and practical support in every stage.”

Expectant mothers can take advantage of breastfeeding education classes prior to delivery. Patients who give birth at the hospital benefit from bedside inpatient lactation support immediately after birth.

“Throughout my career of not only helping moms, but being a mom, I knew we needed to extend lactation support to moms after they leave the hospital,” Bradley said. “We established our Mother Baby Clinic two years ago to provide individualized support for new mothers to ask questions, making their transition more seamless.”

She said some of the toughest challenges in becoming a new mom is figuring out expectations, positioning and latching your baby when breastfeeding.

She said there is a lot to learn and manage when becoming a new mother, which is why the clinic plays a vital role. The hospital’s Mother Baby Clinic offers outpatient services, including:

• One-on-one consultations
• Latch and positioning assistance
• Flange fitting and pumping guidance
• Baby weight checks
• Breastfeeding support for premature or NICU infants

The clinic is the first of its kind in southwest Louisiana, is staffed by four board-certified lactation consultants and offers appointments by physician referrals regardless of where the baby was born.

"Over the past couple of years, our team has had the privilege of bridging the gap between the home and the pediatrician by educating and helping new mothers in our community," Bradley said. “We’re here to walk alongside mothers to offer guidance, reassurance and practical tools to help them meet their breastfeeding goals.”

To learn more information on the Mother Baby Clinic, call (337) 475-4013.