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BETTER HEALTH BENEFITS

BREASTFEEDING CENTERING
PREGNANCY
Breastfeeding offers multiple benefits to both
mother and child, so don’t be afraid to seek help Centering Pregnancy offers an alternative to traditional
if you’re having trouble nursing. prenatal care. Over the course of 10 two-hour sessions,
mothers-to-be spend time with their prenatal care
BREASTFEEDING CAN LOWER months, nursing can be challenging provider, nurse practitioners and a group of women
your infant’s risk of developing for some. Turning to support groups who are also navigating pregnancy. The program
certain conditions, including asthma, or educational services can help you eliminates wait times for appointments, provides a
obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and ear overcome obstacles and learn how to strong support group for expectant mothers and
and respiratory infections. However, make breastfeeding easier. allows more time with prenatal care providers than
breastfeeding isn’t just good for traditional appointments. Sessions involve open
infants—it’s good for mothers as well. “We offer prenatal breastfeeding discussions, games and activities to help women
classes for free,” McWilliams says. prepare for their new arrivals.
“Breastfeeding can lower a “You don’t have to deliver your baby
woman’s chances of developing at Navicent Health to take advantage “If you have something personal you’d like to
certain types of breast cancer,” says of these classes.” discuss privately with physicians outside of the
Lee McWilliams, RN, Internationally group setting, you can spend one-on-one time
Board Certified Lactation Consultant After delivery, lactation with them at the end of the session,” says Patrice
at Navicent Health. “It also releases consultants are available to help Walker, MD, of Gynecology Associates, Navicent
oxytocin, which can encourage mothers both by phone and in Health. “Every session focuses on a different
feelings of bonding between the person. Outpatient visits with the theme, such as breastfeeding or adjusting to life
mother and child.” lactation consultant are available at with a new baby at home.”
no charge, whether or not the mother LEARN MORE ABOUT CENTERING PREGNANCY
In addition, breastfeeding can delivers at Navicent Health. BY VISITING WWW.NAVICENTHEALTH.ORG/
lower a mother’s risk for Type 2 CENTERING OR CALLING 478-633-1710.
diabetes, ovarian cancer and heart Navicent Health’s lactation
disease. It can also be incredibly consultants recommend that new
convenient. mothers breastfeed at least six
months, though they can continue up
“You don’t have to mix up to two years or longer.
formula,” says Patrice Walker, MD,
of Gynecology Associates, Navicent CALL OUR “WARMLINE” AT
Health. “You always have breast milk 478-633-2771 OR 800-228-2055
with you. It’s free, and it’s always the FROM 9 A.M. TO 6 P.M. TO
right temperature.” ADDRESS ANY BREASTFEEDING
CONCERNS OR QUESTIONS
WHERE TO TURN YOU MAY HAVE. AFTER HOURS,
PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE,
Whether you’re just beginning to AND WE’LL CALL YOU BACK.
breastfeed or have been doing it for

Some women aren’t able to breastfeed due to certain
conditions, medications or prior surgery—and that’s okay.
You can still have a healthy, well-fed baby without nursing.

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