UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital Celebrates National Breastfeeding Awareness Month

UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital’s Maternity Department is celebrating National Breastfeeding Awareness Month this August with an educational lobby display and free take-away materials, all designed to promote the benefits of breastfeeding and highlight the hospital’s commitment to maternal and infant health.

The display, created by maternity staff, aims to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and the support services offered to new families at Chenango Memorial.

“We want to ensure our community knows that we’re here to support them, not just during delivery, but through the entire breastfeeding journey,” said Melissa Mabie, BSN, RNC-OB, CLC, one of the hospital’s certified lactation counselors.

Chenango Memorial currently has two certified lactation counselors on staff: Mabie and Jen Lawrence, BSN, RN, CLC. Christine Durney, who serves as a Unit Clerk and Nursing Assistant, is in the final stages of completing her lactation counselor certification.

All maternity staff at CMH are trained to provide basic lactation support, but lactation counselors offer specialized guidance to help mothers and infants establish a successful breastfeeding relationship, especially within the critical first 24 hours after birth.

“Every breastfeeding experience is unique,” said Mabie. “Our goal is to meet each family where they are, providing encouragement, education and ongoing support.”

The lactation counselors undergo rigorous training to ensure they can guide patients through the physical and emotional aspects of breastfeeding. In addition to bedside care, CMH staff remain available by phone to offer support and answer questions after discharge.

For more information about the hospital’s breastfeeding support services, contact the UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital Maternity Department at (607) 337-4111.