Breastfeeding and Newborn Care Center
At Prisma Health, we know babies aren’t born with an instruction manual. Sometimes a little extra help is needed to make sure mom and baby are off to a healthy start.
The Breastfeeding and Newborn Care Center is here to help ensure a seamless transition from hospital to home for breastfeeding moms and their newborns. You do not have to deliver your baby at Patewood Hospital to take advantage of our services. We welcome all moms and babies!
The center is staffed with internationally board-certified lactation consultants (IBCLC) and occupational therapists specializing in newborn therapy. Kidnetics is a department of Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Upstate that provides therapeutic services for children starting at birth. So, whether mom, or baby, is having trouble, we’ve got you covered.
The Breastfeeding and Newborn Care Center is located inside Patewood Hospital and has its own private entrance. Once inside, you will feel at home in this warm and nurturing environment. Special breastfeeding recliners, low-lighting and spa-like amenities provide the perfect atmosphere to relax and embrace these teaching moments.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services and how we can help you and your newborn on a path to a healthy future.
For breastfeeding and lactation support, call 864-797-1020.
For Kidnetics occupational therapy, call 864-331-1350.
Breastfeeding and Newborn Care Center
175 Patewood Dr.
Greenville, SC 29615
Hours: M-F 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
How we can help improve your breastfeeding experience
If you have difficulty breastfeeding in the beginning, it doesn’t mean you’re a bad mother or that you should feel guilty. Breastfeeding is a skill that you and your baby need to learn together. It may take you both a while to get the hang of it.
Our internationally board-certified lactation consultants (IBLCs) provide one-on-one sessions to provide hands on assistance, expert help and individualized planning for issues such as:
- Complications with latch
- Sore nipples
- Milk supply issues
- Swelling of the breast called engorgement
- Collection and storage of breast milk
- Follow up for preterm feeding difficulties
There are multiple factors that may affect a newborns ability to coordinate the suck-swallow-breathe actions. Some of these may include:
- Latch issues
- Sleepiness/arousal
- Inability to suck
- Respiration
- Oropharyngeal skills
- Structures
Sometimes the cause is obvious, but often it’s not. Our occupational therapists, led by a board-certified feeding specialist, can help identify and correct many of these newborn feeder issues. In addition, our therapists can help with these following conditions:
- Cranial facial anomalies (cleft lip, cleft palate, micrognathia)
- Torticollis
- Shoulder Dystocia
- Erb’s Palsy
- Clavicle fractures
- Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Why is breastfeeding important?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding for at least 12 months, with exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. Breast milk provides protection from conditions such as obesity, diabetes, childhood leukemia, ear infections, allergies, gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses. Breast milk has all the nutrients your baby needs and offers some helpful benefits for mom, too. It provides protection from diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease in addition to breast and ovarian cancers.
Breastfeeding is not only the healthiest diet for your baby, but also a natural bonding experience between you and your newborn. Take advantage of this time to get to know your little one.