Overview
Breastfeeding has so many health benefits for you and your baby. Sometimes it can be challenging at first. You might feel nervous, excited and even scared, but keep in mind that every baby is different and all new parents will likely need some support in the beginning.
Our Breastfeeding Medicine providers and lactation consultants are here to support you throughout your journey. We’re here to support you before your baby is born, while you’re in the hospital and after you go home. We can help you with various breastfeeding-related issues including:
- Latching difficulties
- Infant slow weight gain/failure to thrive
- Low milk production
- Oversupply, engorgement or plugged milk ducts
- Nipple pain or injury
- Breast and nipple infections
- Premature birth
- Medical conditions your baby has that could cause problems with breastfeeding
- Feeding twins/multiples
- Weaning
- Feeding following maternal chest surgery
- Pumping and/or returning to work
- Induced lactation for adoption
Make an appointment with us before your baby is born and we can help you prepare. We’ll give you the tools to help reach your breastfeeding goals.
Our Mission
Provide comprehensive breastfeeding care and support to all families along their lactation journey in addition to creating a culture that promotes, protects and supports breastfeeding for our Cleveland Clinic patients, caregivers, and community.
Award-Winning Care
Hillcrest and Fairview hospitals have received multiple breastfeeding-related awards, including:
- IBCLC (International Board of Lactation Consultants) Care Award.
- Baby-Friendly Re-Designated Hospital.
- CDC mPINC (Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care) Scores of 95 and 98 (National and Regional Average is 81).
- Ohio Hospital Association & Ohio Department of Health Maternity Care Best Practice Award.
- Newsweek's America’s Best Maternity Hospitals.
- Northeast Ohio Parent Choice Awards “Best Hospital to Have a Baby”
Meet Our Team
Breastfeeding Medicine Clinic & Center
Physicians
Our breastfeeding medicine specialists are board certified pediatricians with advanced training and experience in breastfeeding management and lactation disorders that can assist with the more challenging aspects of breastfeeding.
Heidi Szugye, DO, IBCLC
Section Head, Breastfeeding Medicine Center and Clinic
Suet Kam Lam, MD, IBCLC, MPH, MS
Assistant Medical Director, Breastfeeding Medicine Center and Clinic
Adrienne Millner, MD, IBCLC, FACOG
Nurse Practitioners
Nurse Practitioners Who Are Also Lactation Consultants
Lactation Services
Our lactation consultants are located both in the hospital and outside the hospital and are all IBCLC-certified.
- Kim Falatic, BSN, RNC-NIC, IBCLC
Nurse Manager, Lactation Services, Fairview Hospital - Dena Stuart, BSN, RNC-MNN, CLC
Nurse Manager, Lactation Services, Hillcrest Hospital - Inpatient lactation consultants are available to assist after delivery at our delivery hospitals:
- Ohio
- Cleveland Clinic main campus
- Akron General
- Fairview Hospital
- Hillcrest Hospital
- Mercy Hospital
- Union Hospital
- Florida
- Martin Hospital
- Indian River Hospital
- Tradition Hospital
- Outpatient lactation consultants are available for one-on-one appointments at these locations:
- Ohio
- Akron General
- Fairview Wellness Center
- Hillcrest Hospital North Campus
- Florida
- Martin Hospital
- Indian River Hospital
- Tradition Hospital
- Outpatient support groups with lactation consultants are available at these locations:
- Ohio
- Akron General
- Fairview Hospital
- Hillcrest Hospital North Campus
- Independence Family Health Center
- Strongsville Family Health & Surgery Center
- Florida
- Martin Hospital
- Indian River Hospital
- Tradition Hospital
Patient Education
Breastfeeding and lactation basics
- Alcohol and breastfeeding
- Benefits of breastfeeding for you & baby
- Breast anatomy
- Breast pumps
- Breastfeeding common concerns
- Breastfeeding duration
- Breastfeeding latch
- Breastfeeding let-down
- Breastfeeding positioning
- Breastfeeding and medication safety
- Breast milk storage recommendations
- Colostrum
- Contraception and breastfeeding
- Feeding baby in the first year
- Foods to eat while breastfeeding
- Hand-expressing breastmilk
- How and When to Supplement with Formula
- How To Lose Weight While Breastfeeding
- Intermittent Fasting While Breastfeeding
- Milk production
- Kangaroo care (skin-to-skin)
- Lactation
- Newborn care in the hospital
- Pumping at work
- Relactation 101: How To Induce Lactation After You’ve Stopped
- Weaning
- What Is Low Milk Supply?
- What Is Cluster Feeding?
- What Is a Nipple Shield?
Breastfeeding and lactation challenges and special circumstances
- Breast engorgement
- Breastfeeding after breast surgery
- Breastfeeding with nipple piercings
- Cleft lip and palate
- Clogged milk ducts
- Dysphoric milk ejection reflex (D-MER)
- Flat and inverted nipples
- Lactation consultant
- Mastitis
- Milk blebs
- Nipple itching and pain
- Supplements for milk supply
- Tongue-tie (Ankyloglossia)
Breastfeeding challenges & conditions
- Tips for Breastfeeding if You Have Flat Nipples
- 4 Myths About Nipple Confusion, How To Avoid It and When To Get Help
- How Can I Heal Cracked Nipples?
- Hyperlactation: Too Much of a Good Thing?
- Does My Baby Have Acid Reflux?
- 6 Signs Your Baby Isn’t Getting Enough Breast Milk
Feeding safety & nutrition
- My Breast Milk Is Pink! Is It Safe for My Baby?
- Can You Have Honey While Breastfeeding?
- Does My Infant Need Vitamin D Drops?
Breastfeeding news
- Breastfeeding Duration in U.S. Closely Linked With Length of Maternity Leave
- Delaying a Newborn’s First Bath in the Hospital Increases Breastfeeding Success
- What to Know about New Breastfeeding Guidelines
Podcasts
Frequently asked questions (FAQ): Pumps and Donor Milk
How can I get a breast pump?
Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, if you are returning to work or school or are having breastfeeding difficulties, insurance companies may provide you with a breast pump. This is based on your individual insurance contract and current deductible guidelines. Be sure to check with your insurance company about your coverage. Learn more.
How do I donate or obtain breast milk?
We recommend using screened and pasteurized donor breast milk. Visit OhioHealth Mothers' Milk Bank to learn how to donate or obtain donor breast milk.
You can also purchase 4-ounce pouches of shelf-stable donor breast milk from Fairview Hospital's Pharmacy. To purchase or learn more, call 216.476.7119. You can also purchase shelf-stable donor breast milk from Hillcrest Hospital's Pharmacy. To purchase or learn more, call 440.312.5854.
FAQ: Antenatal Hand Expression
What is antenatal hand expression?
- Antenatal hand expression is the removal of colostrum from your breasts during the last month of pregnancy.
- Colostrum is the first milk your body makes. It contains nutrients, antibodies and concentrated calories that help support your newborn after birth.
- There is growing awareness that antenatal hand expression may help support breastfeeding and lactation in the early postpartum period. Colostrum collected during pregnancy can be stored and used after delivery if your baby needs supplementation.
- If you are considering antenatal hand expression, talk with your obstetric physician or midwife first to make sure it is safe for you and your baby. If you are at risk of preterm labor, antenatal hand expression may not be advised.
What are the possible benefits of antenatal hand expression?
- Possible benefits include:
- Having stored colostrum available if your baby needs supplementation after birth.
- Learning hand expression skills before delivery.
- Feeling more comfortable expressing milk if needed after your baby is born.
- Stored colostrum may be especially helpful if:
- Your baby develops low blood sugar after birth.
- There is a delay in mature milk production.
- You have diabetes or gestational diabetes.
- Your baby needs extra calories or feeding support.
- Hand expression can also be helpful after delivery if:
- You and your baby are separated.
- Your breasts become engorged and you need to remove a small amount of milk for comfort.
- Your baby needs help latching.
- Antenatal hand expression does not make your milk come in faster or increase long-term milk production.
When should I start antenatal hand expression?
- Always check with your obstetric physician or midwife before starting antenatal hand expression. But in general:
- Having stored colostrum available if your baby needs supplementation after birth. Antenatal hand expression should begin at or after 36 weeks of pregnancy.
- Sessions should last no longer than 10 minutes.
- Expression should be done no more than twice daily.
- Stop and contact your healthcare provider if you experience painful contractions, vaginal bleeding or concerns about decreased fetal movement.
- Learning hand expression skills before delivery.
- Feeling more comfortable expressing milk if needed after your baby is born.
How do I hand express colostrum?
- Step 1: Prepare
- Sit in a comfortable, quiet place.
- Apply warmth to your breasts for several minutes.
- Try to relax before starting.
- Step 2: Massage
- Gently massage or lightly stroke your breasts before expression. Light touch may help stimulate colostrum flow.
- Avoid direct nipple stimulation, which may increase the chance of uterine contractions.
- Step 3: Hand Express
- Form a “C-shape” with your thumb and fingers around your breast, a few inches behind the nipple.
- Step 4: Compress the breast tissue gently, then release.
- Repeat the motion rhythmically to encourage drops of colostrum to appear.
- Rotate your hand position around the breast every few minutes to express from different areas.
- Step 5:
- Collect drops of colostrum in a small clean bowl, cup or spoon.
- Draw the colostrum into a sterile oral syringe without a needle and with a cap or store milk in a food grade container designed for milk storage.
- Label the syringe with your name and the date of expression.
- Freeze the syringe if you do not plan to use the colostrum within 3 days.
- Feeling more comfortable expressing milk if needed after your baby is born.
What if I cannot express any colostrum or only get small amounts?
- Many people are unable to express noticeable drops of colostrum during pregnancy. This does not predict your future milk supply and does not mean you will have difficulty producing enough milk after birth.
- Small amounts are normal. Many people collect only drops or a few milliliters at a time. In the first days after birth, newborns typically need very small feeding volumes, so even small amounts of stored colostrum can be useful.
How should I bring antenatal colostrum to the hospital?
- Patients and families are responsible for transporting and managing stored antenatal colostrum while in birthing units or admission areas. Note: We cannot store the milk in our fridges or freezers until the baby is born.
- We recommend:
- Bringing colostrum in a cooler or insulated bag with ice or freezer packs once baby is born.
- Please do not bring more than 2 ounces of frozen colostrum at one time due to hospital storage limitations.
- Milk should not be kept in the cooler for longer than 24 hours so please give the milk to your postpartum nurse as soon as it is brought to the hospital after baby is born.
- Hospital staff will label the milk with your baby’s identification information.
- The milk will then be placed in the designated refrigerator or freezer.
- If frozen colostrum thaws it should be used within 24 hours.
Provider Resources
Provider resources
- 6 Clinical Takeaways for Providers in Breastfeeding Medicine
- A New Policy Update on Breastfeeding (podcast)
- Breastfeeding Duration in U.S. Closely Linked With Length of Maternity Leave
- Breastfeeding Medicine Clinic Flier (to share with patients)
Publications
Refer a patient
To refer a patient to the Breastfeeding Medicine Center & Clinic, please call 216.444.KIDS(5437).
Educational Classes
Breastfeeding Medicine Prenatal Shared Medical Appointments
Our Shared Medical Appointments (SMAs) bring together a small group of patients and their support people to meet with breastfeeding specialists to learn about breastfeeding.
What should you expect in an appointment?
- Group education: One-hour presentation on breastfeeding basics with pump and breastfeeding supply demonstrations.
- Private consultation: One-on-one time with a provider to review your medical history and concerns.
- Clinical exam: An optional brief, private visual breast exam to ensure you are fully prepared.
Location: Independence Family Health Center
Time: 9 to 11 a.m.
2026 Dates: Feb. 27, March 27, April 17, May 15, June 26, Aug. 28, Sept. 11, Oct. 23, Nov. 20, and Dec. 18 (Dates are subject to change)
For more info or to schedule: Call 216.986.4000 (Ask for pediatrics and request a prenatal breastfeeding SMA).
Breastfeeding Support Groups (virtual and in-person options)
Breastfeeding Classes
Classes are designed for you and a support person to prepare to breastfeed your newborn and achieve the confidence you need to start a satisfying breastfeeding experience.
In-person classes
Akron General
Breastfeeding class - Register now
Fairview Hospital Wellness Center
Breastfeeding Preparation - Register now
Hillcrest Hospital
Breastfeeding Basics - Register now
Virtual classes
Akron General
Breastfeeding class - Register now
Fairview Hospital Wellness Center
Understanding Breastfeeding Online Module - Register now
Hillcrest Hospital
Understanding Breastfeeding Online Module - Register now
Support Offerings
Need over the phone support now?
- Call our lactation consultants at 216.427.1313 (Fairview Hospital) or 440.312.5332 (Hillcrest Hospital). A caregiver will answer if available. If not, please leave a message, and we’ll return your call by the next day.
- Call the Ohio Department of Health Breastfeeding Support Hotline (staffed 24/7 by lactation consultants) at 888.588.3423.
Breastfeeding Support Groups (virtual and in-person options)
Breastfeeding support groups for all moms. Registration not required unless otherwise noted.
Join a nurturing breastfeeding environment facilitated by board-certified lactation consultants. Receive answers to your questions and support on your breastfeeding journey.
Akron General Health Center
676 South Broadway St., Akron, OH 44311
Day: 2nd Thursday of every month (in-person only)
Time: 2 – 4 p.m.
Registrations recommended. Register here (Under the "Preparing for Baby" section). Any questions, call 330.344.5705.
Akron General Health and Wellness Center, Bath
4125 Medina Rd., Akron, OH 44333
Day: 4th Monday of every month (in-person only) (May’s class will be held on Tuesday, May 26 from 2 - 4 p.m.)
Time: 2 – 4 p.m.
Registrations recommended. Register here (Under the "Preparing for Baby" section). Any questions, call 330.344.5705.
Fairview Wellness Center
3035 Wooster Road, Rocky River, OH 44116
Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays (in-person only)
Time: 1 – 2:30 p.m. (Tuesdays) & 10:30 a.m. – Noon (Thursdays)
NO registration required. Any questions, email childbirthed@ccf.org or call 216.427.1303.
Hillcrest Hospital North Campus (across from Hillcrest Hospital)
6777 Mayfield Road, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124|
Days: Tuesdays and Fridays (virtual and in-person options)
Time: 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
NO registration required. Any questions, email chilbirtheducationclasses@ccf.org or call 440.312.5332.
Mercy Hospital (Family Center, 4th Floor, Medical Office Building)
1320 Mercy Drive NW, Canton, OH 44708
Days: Mondays and 1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month (in-person only)
Times: Noon to 2 p.m. (Mondays) and 4:30-6:30 p.m. (1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month)
NO reservation required. Any questions, call 330.580.4761
Strongsville Family Health & Surgery Center
16761 South Park Center, Strongsville, OH 44136
Day: Wednesdays (in-person only)
Time: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
NO registration required. Any questions, email childbirthed@ccf.org or call 216.427.1303.
One-on-One Lactation Consultation Appointments & Breastfeeding Helplines
Get the support you need for your family's breastfeeding journey. Our private consultations are available before, during, and after birth to help you build a satisfying breastfeeding routine and tackle any challenges along the way.
We assist with:
- Latching difficulties
- Nipple pain
- Pumping and/or returning to work
- Low supply or over supply
Schedule a private, in-person appointment by calling any of the numbers listed below. Helplines are also available to connect with a breastfeeding specialist for individual support.
Akron General - Postpartum Unit
Helpline: 330.344.5705
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Helpline: 216.445.7919
Fairview Hospital Wellness Center
Main Office: 216.427.1303
Helpline: 216.427.1313
Hillcrest Hospital North Campus (Across the street from Hillcrest Hospital)
When: First and third Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Main Office: 440.312.4647
Helpline: 440.312.5332
Mercy Hospital
Helpline: 330.580.4761
Wooster Family Health Center
Helpline: 330.287.4500
Breastfeeding Medicine Clinic Appointments
Outpatient prenatal, postpartum private in-person or virtual visits are available.
Heidi Szugye, DO, NABBLM-C, IBCLC and Eliza Schreiber, CNP
Hillcrest Hospital Medical Building 2 (Across the street from Hillcrest Hospital)
6801 Mayfield Road, 4th Floor, Suite 400
Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
To make an appointment, call 440.720.4580
Suet Kam Lam, MD, MPH, IBCLC
Independence Family Health Center
5001 Rockside Rd., 2nd Floor, Suite IN2-210
Independence, Ohio 44131
To make an appointment, call 216.474.0040 (ask for pediatrics)
Adrienne Millner, MD, IBCLC, FACOG
Akron General Health Center
676 South Broadway Street
Akron, OH 44311
Sarah Swift, CNP
Chesterland Medical Building
8254 Mayfield Rd.
Chesterland, OH 44026
To make an appointment, call 234.212.6651 or 234.212.6652
Evalyn Sisson, CNP, IBCLC
Elyria Family Health Center
303 Chestnut Commons Dr.
Elyria, OH 44035
Jennifer Hovest, CNP
Middleburg Heights Family Health Center
17840 Bagley Rd.
Middlebrg Hts, OH 44130
Make an Appointment
Breastfeeding Medicine Clinic Appointments
Heidi Szugye, DO, NABBLM-C, IBCLC and Eliza Schreiber, FNP, CLC
Hillcrest Hospital Medical Building 2 (Across the street from Hillcrest Hospital)
6801 Mayfield Rd., 4th Floor, Suite 400
Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
To make an appointment, call 440.473.0010.
Suet Kam Lam, MD, MPH, IBCLC
Independence Family Health Center
5001 Rockside Rd., 2nd Floor, Suite IN2-210
Independence, OH 44131
To make an appointment, call 216.986.4000 (ask for pediatrics).
Adrienne Millner, MD, IBCLC, FACOG
Akron General Health Center
676 S. Broadway St., Suite 100
Akron, OH 44311
To make an appointment, call 330.344.5440.
Sarah Swift, FNP, IBCLC
Chesterland Medical Building
8254 Mayfield Rd.
Chesterland, OH 44026
To make an appointment, call 234.212.6651 or 234.212.6652.
Evalyn Sisson, CNP, IBCLC
Elyria Family Health Center
303 Chestnut Commons Dr.
Elyria, OH 44035
Jennifer Hovest, CNP
Middleburg Heights Family Health Center
17840 Bagley Rd.
Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
One-on-One Lactation Consultation Appointments
Akron General - Postpartum Unit1 Akron General Ave
Akron, OH 44307
For an appointment, call 330.344.5705
Fairview Hospital Wellness Center
3035 Wooster Road
Rocky River, OH 44116
For an appointment, call 216.427.1313
Hillcrest Hospital North Campus (Across the street from Hillcrest Hospital)
6777 Mayfield Road
Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
For an appointment, call 440.312.5332
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I prepare for an appointment?
Avoid feeding your baby for two hours before an appointment. Bring expressed breastmilk (if available), breast pump and pump parts, medications (if any), your baby and a support person. Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment.
What can I expect at a typical appointment?
You and your baby are often put on the schedule given many breastfeeding challenges involve both of you. Most insurances cover visits related to breastfeeding support but we recommend you check with your insurance before your visit to ensure coverage. Cleveland Clinic’s Employee Health Plan covers visits at no additional cost or copay.
Appointments will last 1 to 1.5 hours. During this time, our team will go over your and your baby’s medical histories. We’ll also talk to you about your current challenges and breastfeeding goals. Next, we’ll weigh your baby and then ask you to feed them. Once you’re done, we’ll check the baby’s post-feeding weight.
Together, we’ll craft or update your Breastfeeding Action Plan. After your appointment, we’ll work with your and your baby’s healthcare providers. We want to you both have a successful and healthy breastfeeding experience.
