WILMINGTON — Novant Health recently launched a new program to connect new mothers to lactation experts for overnight support.
Starting Sept. 21, Wilmington patients can schedule private, one-on-one video consultations daily between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. Parents can access after-hours support through Novant Health NHR™ MyChart. Smartphone users will need to download the MyChart and Zoom apps before requesting a visit.
To schedule an appointment, a patient will log into their MyChart account, request an ExpressCare virtual visit, and select the “lactation consultant” option. After answering a few questions and registering, the patient will be connected with a lactation consultant within 30 minutes.
Parents can share what’s going on, get tips, and ask questions about topics like:
- Baby weight gain
- Baby having trouble waking up for feedings and/or showing hunger cues after feedings
- Breast milk supply
- Engorged breasts including pain, swelling, redness
- Expressing milk/using a breast pump
- Power frequency
- Positioning or locking
- Sore nipples or breast pain
“As any family can tell you, breastfeeding and its challenges don’t end overnight,” said Heather Renye, RN, IBCLC, breastfeeding coordinator at Novant Health Betty H. Cameron Women’s & Children’s Hospital. “Having the ability to speak with a lactation consultant from the comfort of their own home can provide support at a time when the individual may feel most vulnerable.”
Novant Health Betty H. Cameron Women’s & Children’s Hospital also hosts a weekly breastfeeding support group, Mother’s Milk Club. Participants can connect with other new moms and get breastfeeding support from certified lactation consultants. This group currently meets virtually at 11 a.m. on Mondays. More information can be found here.
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