Lee Health is helping close the gap for breastfeeding parents in Southwest Florida. How? By offering free breastfeeding classes this month. The initiative supports the theme of World Breastfeeding Week: “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding support for all.”
The global campaign is held every year the first week of August. But at Lee Health, we’re running the initiative all month long and offering several ways for the community to access lactation services.
“It’s important to ensure that everyone in the Southwest Florida community has access to breastfeeding education and support. There are numerous benefits for both mother and baby,” says Joyce Arand, PhD, System Director of Women’s Services. “While breastfeeding is a natural process, it is not always easy, and we want to make sure every mother feels comfortable and supported and knows how to access the resources they need to ensure optimal health for themselves and their child.”
The free classes, which are offered in both English and Spanish, provide education on lactation services to any expecting or new mothers.
“The classes are an excellent opportunity for participants to receive expert guidance and peer-to-peer support from experienced lactation consultants,” Joyce says. “It’s also a neat way to connect with fellow mothers and build lifelong friendships.”
She says many breastfeeding parents lack access to breastfeeding support. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant’s life followed by continued breastfeeding for two years or more.
Breastfeeding offers many benefits to the mother and child, according to Joyce.
“It helps lower the risk of obesity in both mother and child as well as childhood cancers and ear infections,” she notes. “Breastfeeding also increases the bonding experience between mother and child. It’s much less expensive than formula feeding, too.”
Studies show that while most families initiate breastfeeding, two-thirds of them don’t achieve the recommended breastfeeding duration or intensity.
“Lack of access is a primary reason,” Joyce says. “With our free classes and lactation services offered throughout the year, we’re trying to reduce those barriers for our community members.”
Free breastfeeding classes are schedule throughout the month as follows:
- Wednesday, August 14, 4 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. at HealthPark Medical Center
- Saturday, August 17, 10 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. at HealthPark Medical Center
- Wednesday, August 21, 6 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. at HealthPark Medical Center
- Thursday, August 29, 10 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. at HealthPark Medical Center (in Spanish)
- Ten spots are available for each class.
To sign up for a free class, go here.
Lee Health’s Women’s Services offers inpatient lactation services, outpatient visits, and telehealth counseling at HealthPark Medical Center, Cape Coral Hospital, and Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.
Lee Health’s Internationally Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) at Gulf Coast Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital also provide consultations. As a result of a partnership with Nest Collaborative, the nation’s first and largest lactation consultation platform, new parents now have greater access to lactation support and guidance.
“Our board-certified lactation nurse consultants contribute as members of our maternal-child health team by offering in-person appointments to help guide and support parents through their breastfeeding journey,” Joyce explains.
“Through the Nest Collaborative, virtual lactation consultation visits are conducted in the parents' homes at their convenience. Our consultants are multilingual and culturally competent, and are available during the day and evening.”
To learn more about Lee breastfeeding, support groups, and lactation services, go here.
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