Breastfeeding Support Services

MultiCare provides the information you need to make an informed decision about feeding your baby. We understand that whether or not to breastfeed is a very personal choice. So whatever feeding method is right for you, we will give you and your baby the support you need.

MultiCare supports the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation that breastfeeding is the ideal method of infant feeding. If you select breastfeeding, we are dedicated to ensuring that you will gain the confidence and skill to begin and continue breastfeeding your child.

How We Help

After delivery, your nurse can help you with basic breastfeeding. In addition, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or nurse with IBCLC certification is available to help you at all our Family Birth Centers throughout your hospital stay.

We offer moms a wide range of breastfeeding support and help, including:

• Newborn position and latch
• Maintaining milk supply when baby and mother are separated
• Specialized help for premature infants
• Slow or poor weight gain
• Sore nipples and engorgement
• Low milk supply
• Reluctant or difficult nursers
• Returning to work while breastfeeding
• Flat/inverted nipples
• Plugged ducts, mastitis
• Use of breast pumps, milk expression and milk storage
• Relactation
• Use of supplemental nutrition system
• Weaning
• Breastfeeding multiples
• Infants with special needs
• Adoption

Where We Help

MultiCare Breastfeeding Support Services are available to new moms both in the hospital and after mom and baby have gone home.

In the Hospital

After delivery, your nurse can help you with basic breastfeeding. In addition, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is available to help you at all our Family Birth Centers throughout your hospital stay.

When You're Home

After you’ve gone home, we are still available to help, and you have two options for getting our support:

Virtual Breastfeeding Support Consultations: We can help you from your home, workplace or wherever it’s easy for you, with a virtual visit with one of our ARNP lactation consultants. You will simply need a computer, webcam and speakers or a smartphone/tablet. Learn more about virtual breastfeeding support consultations or call 253-403-1681.

Outpatient Consultations Clinic - Puget Sound - Updated Policy

Out of an abundance of caution and care for our community and patients during the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, our in-person breastfeeding consultations will be suspended at our hospitals until further notice. Virtual consults (see above) are available during this time.

• MultiCare Auburn Medical Center: Call 253-403-1681 to set up a virtual consult.
• MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital: Call 253-403-1681 to set up a virtual consult.
• MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital: Call 253-403-1681 to set up a virtual consult.Our consultants are also available by phone seven days a week, 8am to 4pm. Call 253-403-1331.

Outpatient Consultations Clinic - Inland Northwest

• MultiCare Valley Hospital: Monday through Friday, 8am – 5pm, by appointment. Call 509-473-5706.
• MultiCare Deaconess Hospital: Monday through Saturday, 8am – 4pm, by appointment. Call 509-473-7056 to schedule an appointment or to talk with a Lactation Consultant. Deaconess Hospital also offers a free, walk-in clinic (including pre and post-feeding baby weigh-ins) every Thursday 10am - 12pm.

Sarah Newport, RN, Lactation Consultant at Tacoma General talks about infant breastfeeding. Learn how to know if your baby is eating enough, how to get a good latch, and signs of jaundice and dehydration.