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Breastfeeding

A short-haired woman sitting on a white rocking chair while breastfeeding her baby
pediatrician

Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breast milk is the perfect composition for your baby.

Also known as colostrum, early breast milk is very rich in nutrients and antibodies to protect your newborn or baby. Although your baby only gets a small amount of colostrum at each feeding, it matches the amount their tiny stomach can hold. Mature breast milk usually transitions between the 3rd and 5th day after birth and still contains a valuable mix of nutrients for your infant.

Breast milk changes as the baby grows.

Your breast milk adjusts to each stage of your newborn or baby's development. The amount of protein and healthy fats, among other nutrients, will change to match the unique needs of your developing child.

Breast milk is easy to digest.

Human breast milk is perfectly compatible with a baby's delicate digestive system.

Breast milk fights disease.

Breastfeeding protects babies from infections and illnesses, including diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia. Breastfed babies are less likely to develop asthma and allergies. Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Breastfeeding protects mothers, too.

Mothers who breastfeed have a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

Life can be easier when you breastfeed.

Breastfeeding may take a little more effort at first. But it can make life easier once you and your newborn settle into a good routine.

Breastfeeding saves money.

Families can save between $1,200 - $2,500 in expenditures on infant formula in the first year alone.

Breastfeeding mothers miss less work.

Breastfeeding mothers miss fewer days from work because their infants are sick less often.

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Breastfeeding offers physical and emotional advantages to both mother and baby. As strong advocates of breastfeeding, the team at the Children’s Clinic employs an international board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC).

The practice offers free education classes for expectant and new moms living in and around the Billings, Montana, area and free breastfeeding consultations for moms whose kids are Children’s Clinic patients at their West End and downtown offices.

Breastfeeding Q&A

As you consult the resources and information available on this page, please keep in mind that our International Board Certifies Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Lesli Gould, is always available to assist you with any breastfeeding needs you may have throughout your breast feeding journey.

Call Leslie
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For expectant parents

As you anticipate the birth of your little one and begin to navigate the journey of parenthood, we at the Children's Clinic are here to support you every step of the way. With this in mind, we offer specific lactation services to promote the valuable breastfeeding relationship between mothers and their babies.

The Children's Clinic LOVES Breastfeeding

In recent years, the medical and scientific community has determined that breast milk is the optimal food for newborns and babies. The current standard of care for infants is this:

As long as breast milk supply is good and baby is gaining well, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends feeding baby nothing but breast milk for the first six months of life, with continued breastfeeding for at least a year (longer if mom and baby want to). The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding for two years. So, breastfeeding families can know that by breastfeeding, they are giving their baby the best food possible.

At the Children's Clinic, lactation support will continue to be available free of charge to you and your baby as long as you need assistance with breastfeeding. If breastfeeding issues arise, you can easily schedule a consultation at the downtown Children's Clinic location. Our lactation consultant works very closely with you and your child's pediatrician to monitor your baby's growth and breast milk intake to ensure your baby is feeding and growing well.

Prenatal breastfeeding classes

I'm home from the hospital... now what?

Your first and second night home from the hospital may be more than a little challenging! It's almost like your newborn suddenly realizes that they are no longer in the warm, safe environment of the womb and life outside is a little scary! Your newborn may be fussy, cluster feed, or forget that they know how to nurse altogether! Some babies don't do this, but if yours does, realize this is normal newborn behavior for the first or second night home from the hospital. Realize that your baby is 'programmed' to go to the breast often. It's their job to stimulate the transition from colostrum to mature milk. It's perfectly normal for a baby to ask to go to the breast often. Feed when they ask to feed.

How do you make it through?!

Download informational PDF's by clicking on a link below for a wealth of information about your first days at home. And remember, help is only a phone call away.

Just for partners

Your support during your loved ones' breastfeeding journey is invaluable for both mom and baby. Providing understanding and support for the breastfeeding pair is one of the most valuable investments you can make in your family's future health and well-being. Having positive support when breastfeeding can be key to successful breastfeeding. In fact, statistics say it increases success by at least 75%! While it may seem unlikely that you can help with baby's breastfeeding, YOU are an important component in the success of breastfeeding for this little one! You can make this happen through your attitude, actions, and words.

What can I do?

Supplies and rentals

Lactation supplies are available, including: rentals of hospital-grade breast pumps, nipple shields, breast shields, pump replacement parts, breast shells, and more.

Contact Lesli Gould for more information.

Email her at: childrensclinicbabies@gmail.com

Call her at: 530-802-0975

Additional resources

Local Resources

Lactation @ the Children's Clinic

Lesli Gould, IBCLC

406-287-8700

Breastfeeding Classes are offered at the Children's Clinic, along with assistance with pumping and returning to work or school.

St. Vincent Mother Infant Floor

IBCLC Lactation Nurses on Staff

406-237-7781

WIC

Breastfeeding Counselors on Staff

406-247-3370

Reliable Online Resources

Medications & Breastfeeding:

Postpartum Depression: