Breastfeeding Medicine Center & Clinic and Lactation Services

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.

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
Medical Director, Breastfeeding Medicine Center and Clinic

Suet Kam Lam, MD, IBCLC, MPH, MS
Assistant Medical Director, Breastfeeding Medicine Center and Clinic 

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
  • 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
• Milk production
• Kangaroo care (skin-to-skin)
• Lactation 
• Newborn care in the hospital
• Pumping at work
• Weaning

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 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

• Babies and Bedtime with Dr. Heidi Szugye
• Breastfeeding: What You Need To Know with Dr. Heidi Szugye

Frequently asked questions

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.

4 ounce pouches of shelf-stable donor breast milk can also be purchased from Fairview Hospital's Pharmacy. To purchase or learn more, call 216.476.7119. 

Provider Resources

Provider resources

• 7 Clinical Takeaways for Providers Caring for Lactating Parents and Breastfeeding Infants
• 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

• S. Kam Lam, MD, MPH, publications 
• Heidi Szugye, DO, publications 

Refer a patient

To refer a patient to the Breastfeeding Medicine Center & Clinic, please call 216.444.KIDS(5437).

Educational Classes

Breastfeeding Classes

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 Wellness Center (In-person and virtual options)
Breastfeeding Preparation - Register now.

Hillcrest Hospital (In-person and virtual options)
Breastfeeding Basics - Register now.

Support Offerings

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.

Breastfeeding Support Groups

Breastfeeding support groups for all moms. Registration not required unless otherwise noted.

Fairview Wellness Center
Day: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Time: 1 – 2:30 p.m. (Tuesdays) & 10:30 a.m. – Noon (Thursdays)
Any questions, call 440.356.0347.

Hillcrest Hospital North Campus (across from Hillcrest Hospital)
Days: Tuesdays and Fridays
Time: 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Any questions, call 440.312.5332.

Independence Family Health Center
Day: Thursdays
Time: 10 – 11:30 a.m.
By appointment only. To schedule call 216.986.4000, and ask for OB/GYN then lactation.

Mercy Hospital (Family Center, 4th Floor, Medical Office Building)
Day: Mondays and 1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month
Time: Noon to 2 p.m. (Mondays) and 4:30-6:30 p.m. (1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month)
No reservations necessary. 

Strongsville Family Health & Surgery Center
Day: Wednesdays
Times: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Any questions, call 440.356.0347.

Melanin Rich Support Group

Support for black and brown mothers and families.

Hillcrest Hospital (Virtual)
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 6 – 7 p.m.
Any questions, call 440.312.4136.

One-on-One Lactation Consultation Appointments

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.

Akron General - Postpartum Unit
1 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 216.476.7222

Hillcrest Hospital North Campus (Across the street from Hillcrest Hospital)
6777 Mayfield Road
Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
For an appointment, call 440.312.5332

Breastfeeding Medicine Clinic Appointments

Outpatient prenatal or postpartum private in-person or virtual visits are available. 

Heidi Szugye, DO, NABBLM-C, 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 440.720.4580.
During non-business hours, call 216.444.KIDS(5437).

Suet Kam Lam, MD, MPH, IBCLC
Independence Family Health Center
5001 Rockside Rd., 2nd Floor, Suite IN2-210
Independence, Ohio 44131
For an appointment during business hours (Mon. - Thurs. from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Fri. from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.), call 216.474.0040 (ask for pediatrics).
During non-business hours, call 216.444.KIDS(5437).

Make an Appointment

Breastfeeding Medicine Clinic Appointments

Heidi Szugye, DO, NABBLM-C, 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, IBCLC
Independence Family Health Center
5001 Rockside Rd., 2nd Floor, Suite IN2-210
Independence, Ohio 44131
For an appointment during business hours (Mon. - Thurs. from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Fri. from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.), call 216.986.4000 (ask for pediatrics).
During non-business hours, call 216.444.KIDS(5437).

One-on-One Lactation Consultation Appointments

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?

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.