Breastfeeding

Support from trained lactation consultants in O’ahu

At Adventist Health Castle, we fully support a woman’s choice to breastfeed. Breast milk provides the most complete form of nutrition for your baby, and breastfeeding is good for you too.

All of the nurses in the Birth Center are trained in lactation support. After your baby is born, you will be visited by a trained lactation consultant to ensure you have the help and support you need to breastfeed your baby successfully.

The benefits of breastfeeding

According to Baby-Friendly USA, mothers who breastfeed are healthier throughout their lives. Research shows women who breastfeed enjoy decreased risks of postpartum depression, breast and ovarian cancers, anemia, and osteoporosis. Exclusive breastfeeding naturally helps space pregnancies. Breastfed babies are usually healthier, so breastfeeding provides savings on healthcare costs and work missed while caring for sick children.

Adventist Health Castle Birth Center is proud to be a designated Baby-Friendly Hospital. We follow "The Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding," which are associated with increased rates of breastfeeding around the world.

All Adventist Health Castle Birth Center nurses are trained in lactation support. After your baby is born, an internationally board-certified lactation consultant will visit you and answer any questions you have.

What to expect at a Baby-Friendly Facility

Classes

Before you give birth, you may find it beneficial to take one of our breastfeeding classes. (Please click here to view a list of all of our family classes.)

After you deliver, you can attend our weekly Mommy & Me Virtual Hui online or our monthly In-Person Mommy & Me Hui at the Ohana Room at Adventist Health Castle. These groups are free to attend and led by trained lactation educators - open to moms of newborns and infants up to 12 months. It’s a wonderful opportunity to network, get and give breastfeeding support, ask questions, and meet other new moms. No registration is required.

Our infant feeding guide

We provide all of our mothers with the booklet “Infant Feeding Guide.” Please click on the link to view this document using Adobe’s Acrobat Reader.

Online breastfeeding resources:

In-person lactation consults

Clinic consult:

Home consult:

Local resources for pump accessories:

National resources: