NorthShore Health Centers recently implemented a Worksite Lactation Program provided through funding from The Centers of Disease Control, The Department of Physical Activity & Nutrition, The Northwest Indiana Breastfeeding Coalition and NorthShore Health Center’s Prenatal Care Department.
NorthShore Health Centers recognizes the importance of breastfeeding which is why we offer a free Lactation Program to our patients and anyone needing breastfeeding assistance in the community. Patients can schedule a breastfeeding consultations with our Certified Breastfeeding Specialist in order to get advice on lactation equipment, assistance with obtaining breast pumps, education materials, home visits, private consultations and telephone consultations. We not only offer antenatal/postnatal breastfeeding education classes and consultations at our Portage and Lake Station locations, but we also teach Breastfeeding Workshops hosted at the local Babies R Us in Merrillville, IN.
NorthShore was thrilled to accept this grant in order to give our employees the same advantage and awareness of the power of breastfeeding that we offer to our patients. The Nursing Nook, which is the name given to the designated area provided for lactation, allows female employees who choose to breastfeed their newborn babies a private, sanitary area to breastfeed or express milk during their normal breaks or meal times. The Nursing Nook includes a comfortable glider, a designated refrigerator to store expressed milk, and a Medela breast pump to assist employees in expressing milk during work hours. The program also includes prenatal and postpartum breastfeeding classes and informational materials for all parents involved.
The roll out of the Workforce Lactation Program and the grand opening of the Nursing Nook could not have come at a more appropriate time since August 1st – 7th is World Breastfeeding Week. The theme this year is BREASTFEEDING: A Winning Goal – For Life! NorthShore is proud to help assist our patients and now our employees in achieving this “Winning Goal.”
For more information about NorthShore Health Centers visit our website at www.northshorehealth.org or call 219-763-8112.