International Breastfeeding Week, August 1 through 7, aims to raise awareness of the challenges that breastfeeding mothers face. More than 3 million mothers in the U.S. each year try to breastfeed, but 2 in 3 don’t succeed.

Kettering Health continues to support breastfeeding mothers through its diverse team of expert care providers.

“Our team of International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) across the system are phenomenal,” shares Michelle Beebe, manager of Childbirth Education and Perinatal Outreach.

Extending its resources, Kettering Health has partnered with Nest Collaborative, who offer telehealth appointments and evaluations with their team of IBCLCs

Kettering Health is the first health system in Ohio to partner with Nest Collaborative.

What the partnership means for breastfeeding mothers

“The Kettering Health collaboration with Nest Collaborative is a wonderful supplementation and support to our robust lactation program,” says Michelle.

Through this partnership, prenatal and postpartum mothers have access to breastfeeding consultants through online video appointments.

“Nest Collaborative’s diverse, experienced lactation consultants will provide additional options for our families,” shares Michelle, “filling in gaps our outpatient clinic may not be able to support.”

This means mothers have access to truly comprehensive breastfeeding care. In addition to the Nest partnership, Kettering Health continues to offer extensive resources for breastfeeding mothers, including prenatal classes taught on their delivering campuses—Soin Medical Center, Kettering Health Washington Township, Main Campus, and Hamilton; expert postpartum support through the First Steps program; weekly support groups for moms; and the Breastfeeding Center of Excellence at Washington Township.

Helping families have successful journeys

Health issues related to difficulties with breastfeeding—and lack of services to overcome those difficulties—cost nearly $18 billion in healthcare costs. Infant death, cancer, and heart disease are all reduced by successful breastfeeding in the first six months of a baby’s life. Michelle and her team of IBCLCs want area mothers to know they don’t have to face breastfeeding challenges alone.

“We want our families to be successful and supported through access to expert care when they need it,” says Michelle. “I am excited about how this collaboration will further remove barriers to support our families on their breastfeeding journeys.”

Mothers can self-refer to the Nest Collaborative for a telehealth evaluation, which is covered by most insurance plans. In-person evaluations and assessments can be scheduled by calling First Steps at (937) 401-6811.