We recommend you breast-feed in your birthing suite as soon as possible after birth. Keep your baby with you skin-to-skin as much as possible the first few days. This will encourage your baby to feed better and more easily adjust to his surroundings.

Watch your baby for feeding cues so you get plenty of practice breast-feeding. Our Mother/Baby nurses are trained to help you with routine questions or concerns. A lactation consultant or lactation educator will be available if further help is needed.

A Mercy lactation consultant is available after your baby is born to answer any questions you may have about breast-feeding or address any of your concerns.

Breast-feeding your baby is a very important decision. It can be a tender, rewarding experience that offers advantages for both you and for your newborn baby:

• Breast milk is the ideal first food for babies. It provides all the necessary nutrition, antibodies and easy digestion your baby needs. Your milk is specific for your baby’s needs and gives baby the best possible start.
• Breast-feeding has many health benefits for the new mother, including decreased post-partum bleeding, earlier return to pre-pregnancy weight, and decreased risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians recommend you breast-feed exclusively for the first six months of your baby’s life. It is recommended that breast-feeding continue for at least 12 months, and thereafter for as long as mutually desired.
• Breast-feeding is the best and one of the most natural things you can do for your baby, however it is not always easy to learn. We encourage you to navigate this web site to learn more specific information that will help make this rewarding for both you and your baby.