Breastfeeding Services

From moments after delivery, we are committed to helping moms and babies establish a positive breastfeeding experience. During your hospital stay you will be assisted with breastfeeding by your nurses and will also be followed by one of our board-certified lactation consultants. Our labor-delivery-recovery-postpartum suites are designed so that newborns can room-in with mom, creating an optimal environment for breastfeeding. Extra support and guidance during the first few days of breastfeeding are available to help make breastfeeding a successful experience for you and your baby. While our goal is to help you feel confident with breastfeeding prior to getting discharged, we realize that you may have some breastfeeding needs after discharge as well. Once home, there are several other outpatient resources available to you.

Breastfeeding Phone Line

For additional help during business hours, contact a lactation consultant at:

  • Community Hospital Anderson: 765-298-5424
  • Community Hospital East: 317-355-2345
  • Community Hospital North: 317-621-5380
  • Community Hospital South: 317-887-7927
  • Community Howard Regional Health: 765-776-5810

Breastfeeding Support Groups

Moms and babies who are currently breastfeeding are welcome at our FREE support groups. During support group, moms are encouraged to feed their babies and talk with other mothers. A lactation consultant will be available to talk about basic concerns and answer questions about breastfeeding. You may also weigh your baby before and after feedings while at group. Men are not allowed at group, but siblings are welcome.

  • Community Hospital Anderson
    • Mondays 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. @ Education Center, 1923 N. Madison Ave, Anderson, IN 46011
  • Community Hospital East Drop-In Center
    • Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. @ Sharp Conference Room 1st Floor
  • Community Hospital North - pre-registration required
    • Mondays, 10 to 11 a.m., 4th floor classroom, 7150 Clearvista Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46256 - REGISTER ONLINE
  • Community Hospital South - pre-registration required
    • Tuesdays, 10 to 11 a.m., Education Center 1st floor, 1402 E. County Line Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46227 - REGISTER ONLINE
    Community Howard
    • Wednesdays 10 to 11:30 a.m. @ Women's Center, 2201 W. Boulevard, Kokomo, IN 46902

Outpatient Lactation Consults

Sometimes breastfeeding concerns may require an outpatient lactation consultation if solutions cannot be reached over the phone or at support group. One-on-one lactation consultations may be scheduled by contacting your hospital's lactation office. These consults require a doctor’s order and will be billed through your insurance company.

Breastfeeding Basics Class

“Breastfeeding Basics” is a one-session class for expectant parents. A lactation consultant will share helpful information to prepare you for the breastfeeding experience. Dad or a support person plays an important role in the breastfeeding experience and is encouraged to attend as well! Click here to register online, or call 800-777-7775.

Breastfeeding Supplies

In addition to pumping kits, FigLeaf Boutique offers a full complement of breastfeeding supplies, including lanolin, hydrogels, milk storage bags, pump cleaning supplies and more.

Milk Bank Depots

Three Community hospitals are home to an Indiana Mothers' Milk Bank milk depot. Breast milk donors can drop off their milk at these locations. When a mother's own milk is not available, pasteurized donor human milk is dispersed by prescription or hospital order primarily to premature infants in hospital neonatal intensive care units. If you would like to donate, visit themilkbank.org/donate.

If you are already a donor and need to schedule a milk drop-off, please contact the lactation office you would like to drop off at:

  • Community Hospital Anderson: 765-298-5424
  • Community Hospital North: 317-621-5380
  • Community Howard: 765-776-5810

Additional Online Resources