Live Breastfeeding Chat

If you are pregnant or nursing, here's your chance to ask some questions and still be modest. OSF Saint Francis Medical Center's Breastfeeding Resource Center is hosting the first LIVE breastfeeding chat. Women can chat live with a lactation consultant for free to get their breastfeeding questions answered.

Lactation consultant Polly Kocher said, "I think it makes us more accessible. Not everybody can bring themselves in Peoria and not everyone thinks their situation warrants that. It will be private between the caller and the lactation consultant from 6:30-8pm. I think it will be really fun and give us some contact with moms we haven't seen before."

Kocher says the chat may also help women would otherwise give up on trying to breastfeed. "I think modesty is a big issue. If a woman is modest, it's easier to quit than see help. This is a safe way to ask questions," said Kocher.

If you deliver your baby at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, the first private in person meeting with a lactation consultant is free. If you did not deliver at OSF or you need more than one in person meeting, the cost is $45.00.

Kocher says she probably sees around 8 new moms a day. The main problems are pain or the baby is not gaining enough weight. If you have questions about breastfeeding, here is in the information for the live chat:

Live On-line Chat
Monday, May 24, 2010, 6:30pm
Topic: Breastfeeding

****CLICK HERE TO CONNECT TO THE CHAT OR CLICK ON THE PICTURE ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF THE PAGE****

Our breastfeeding experts will be available to privately address any questions or concerns you have about breastfeeding. Mothers who are expecting are urged to chat with questions about how to ensure breastfeeding gets off to a good start in the hospital. New mothers may wish to chat with specific questions about breastfeeding techniques, tips for getting your baby to latch on correctly or nipple tenderness. Breast pumps and other breastfeeding equipment will be discussed. Among our experts are certified maternity nursing bra fitters, and they welcome you questions as well. Nursing the older baby and discrete nursing in public may be another topic of interest.