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Q. Do all mothers-to-be need a breastfeeding class?
A. New parents tell us they are glad they took a breastfeeding class before delivery. The class familiarizes parents with breastfeeding basics, hospital procedures and services provided by The Nursing Mother's Place.

Q. Can you recommend a good breastfeeding book?
A. Yes. The Nursing Mother's Companion by Kathleen Huggins (Harvard Common Press) is an easy-to-read book that addresses everything you could ask about breastfeeding! It is available at all locations of The Nursing Mother's Place, the public library, and area bookstores.

Q. Can I come to The Nursing Mother's Place if I deliver elsewhere?
A. Yes! The Nursing Mother's Place has three locations (Charlotte, Matthews, Huntersville) and is open to the public.

Q. Will my insurance cover my visit?
A. While we cannot predict or guarantee if your insurance carrier will cover the office visit, the fee will automatically be filed to your insurance and a co-pay collected at your time of visit.

Q. What can I expect during my consultation?
A. You and your baby and any support person you would like present will meet with a consultant in one of our comfortable, private offices. We schedule your appointment to coincide with your baby's feeding time, optimizing our ability to assess your breastfeeding situation. We weigh the baby and can even tell how much milk the baby receives with a special intake scale. A personalized feeding plan is provided and your breastfeeding goals are reviewed. We send a report of our findings to your doctors.

Q. Does my doctor need to refer me?
A. You can self-refer or your doctor or pediatrician can refer also.

Q. Will a Lactation Consultant automatically come see me in the hospital?
A. Yes. If you are planning to breastfeed, we will be automatically notified and visit you on "rounds". Your nurse will provide breastfeeding support in Labor and Delivery and Family Maternity Care; however, if you have not seen a lactation consultant by your second 24 hours, have your nurse page our department.

Q. Will I need to come back more than once?
A. That depends on the nature of your breastfeeding issues. Many mothers resolve issues with one visit. Other mothers have multiple appointments until things are progressing well.

Q. Can I bring my husband (or mother, other children, etc.) with me to the appointment?
A. Of course! It is helpful to have someone else close to you present during a consultation. Ideally, siblings are left at home. We cannot supervise them during your appointment and we want to concentrate on your breastfeeding needs without distraction.

Q. Should I buy a nursing bra before I deliver?
A. Although you will probably experience breast changes after delivery, most nursing bras allow for changes in ribcage and cup size. It is helpful to have a supportive, sleep-type bra to wear under your hospital gown or robe. Each location of The Nursing Mother's Place carries a variety of bras. We will be happy to fit you while you are at the hospital.

Q. Do all mothers need to have a breast pump?
A. No. Breast pumps are needed when the baby is unable to nurse well or mother is unable to feed in the first days after delivery. Pumps and pump kits are provided while you are an inpatient, if there is a medical reason. If you need a pump after discharge, we can rent a pump to you before you leave the hospital. Pump rentals are $59-$69 a month. The personal collection kit is an additional $59. Deposit of $60 is required at time of rental. Visa, MasterCard and personal checks are accepted. Other charges will be filed to your insurance carrier.

Pump rentals and retail pumps are also available at our outpatient centers. We encourage mothers to wait and see what their needs might be before buying a pump.

Q. How can I tell if my baby is getting enough milk?
A. Babies should nurse every 2-3 hours. Wake your baby if he or she is sleeping longer than 3 hours during the day or 4 hours at night. A newborn usually has a wet and soiled diaper for each day of life. By day 5, we expect 6-8 clear, wet diapers and 3-5 "bigger than a quarter" yellow bowel movements. Once milk supply increases (usually day 3-5), breasts will feel softer after feedings. A visit to your baby's doctor is recommended within 48-72 hours after discharge to examine baby and monitor weight again.

Q. My breasts are leaking now. Is that normal? I am not due for a few weeks.
A. Yes. Some mothers experience prenatal leaking of colostrum, the "early" milk stored in your breasts during the end of your pregnancy.

Q. Who do I contact after regular office hours or on weekends?
A. The Nursing Mother's Place offers a "Warm Line" for questions and concerns after regular office hours: 704-384-7515. Lactation consultants will return calls placed after 4 PM by the next business day. If you are unable to reach our office, call your pediatrician or obstetrician as indicated if you are experiencing significant problems.