Overview
Breastfeeding (chestfeeding) 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 physicians 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 (chestfeeding).
- 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 you have your baby. We can help prepare you and give you the tools to reach your breastfeeding goals.
Award-Winning Care
Hillcrest and Fairview hospitals have received multiple breastfeeding-related awards, including:
- IBCLC (International Board of Lactation Consultants) Care Award.
- Baby-Friendly Hospital.
- U.S. News & World Report Best Hospital Five-Star Hospital.
- CDC mPINC (Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care) Scores of 95 and 98 (National and Regional Average is 81).
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
Breastfeeding Medicine Center and Clinic Medical Director - Suet Kam Lam, MD, IBCLC, MPH, MS
Breastfeeding Medicine Center and Clinic Assistant Medical Director
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 at Hillcrest, Fairview, Cleveland Clinic main campus and Akron General
- Outpatient Lactation Consultants at Hillcrest, Fairview, Independence and Akron General
Frequently Asked Questions
Need over the phone support now?
- Call our lactation consultants at 216.476.7222 (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.
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?
Mom and baby are often put on the schedule given many breastfeeding challenges involve both mom and baby. 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 (chestfeeding) 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.
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.
Patient Resources
- Breastfeeding: How to Establish a Good Milk Supply (Infographic).
- Is Tongue-Tie Surgery the Right Choice for Your Baby?
- Why You Should Consider Breastfeeding Longer.
- How to Breastfeed Your Baby Longer.
- Foods to Eat While Breastfeeding.
- How to Establish a Good Milk Supply.
- How to Wean Your Baby From Breastfeeding.
- Pumping at Work.
- Delaying a Newborn’s First Bath in the Hospital Increases Breastfeeding Success.
- Are There Breastfeeding Superfoods That Help Increase Milk Production?
- Alcohol and Breastfeeding.
Groups and Classes
Breastfeeding Support Groups
Fairview Wellness Center
Day: Tuesdays
Time: 1-2:30 p.m.
To register, call 440.356.0347.
Hillcrest Hospital North Campus (across from Hillcrest Hospital)
Days: Tuesdays and Fridays
Time: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
To register, call 440.312.5332.
Independence Family Health Center
Day: Thursdays
Time: 10 to 11:30 a.m.
By appointment only, to schedule call 216.986.4000.
Melanin Rich (Support for black mothers and families)
Day: Wednesdays
Times: 10 to 11 a.m. (virtual and in-person options) and 6 to 7 p.m. (virtual only)
To register, call 440.312.5332.
Strongsville Family Health & Surgery Center
Day: Wednesdays
Times: 1:30-3:30 p.m.
To register, call 440.356.0347.
Mommy and Me Support Group
Have the opportunity to meet with new and experienced moms.
Hillcrest Hospital (In-person and/or online)
Day: Thursdays
Time:11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Register now.
Breastfeeding Classes
Breastfeeding Basics
This class is 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.
Fairview Hospital (In-person and virtual options)
Register now.
Hillcrest Hospital (In-person and virtual options)
Register now.
Make an Appointment
Breastfeeding Medicine Physician Clinic Locations
Outpatient prenatal or postpartum private in-person or virtual visits:
Heidi Szugye, DO, IBCLC
Hillcrest Hospital Medical Building 2 (Across the street from Hillcrest Hospital)
6801 Mayfield Road, 4th Floor, Suite 400
Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
For an appointment during business hours (Mon.-Fri. from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.), call 440.473.0010.
During non-business hours, call 216.444.KIDS(5437).
Suet Kam Lam, MD, MPH
Cleveland Clinic Children’s Lakewood
14701 Detroit Road, Suite 522
Lakewood, OH 44107
For an appointment during business hours (Mon.-Fri. from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.), call 216.228.3232.
During non-business hours, call 216.444.KIDS(5437).
Lactation Consultant Services Locations
We provide support before your baby is born, while you are in the hospital and after you return home (in-person or virtual visits). Support is available while you are in the hospital at the locations below, as well as Cleveland Clinic main campus.
Fairview Hospital Wellness Center
3035 Wooster Road
Rocky River, OH 44116
For an appointment, call 216.476.7222
Hillcrest Hospital North Campus (Across the street from Hillcrest Hospital)
6777 Mayfield Road
Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
For an appointment, call 440.312.5332
Akron General - Postpartum Unit
1 Akron General Ave
Akron, OH 44307
For an appointment, call 330.344.5705
