Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital is celebrating World Breastfeeding Week on August 1-7 with this year’s theme, dedicated to “A Key to Sustainable Development.”

The theme set for the week is designed to provide support and education to breastfeeding mothers, focusing on the importance of a person’s wellbeing from the start of life, respecting one another and caring for the world we share.

“How you feed your baby is one of the most important decisions you will make during your pregnancy,” said Mary Beth Sweet, a lactation specialist at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital.

The hospital has been “Baby-Friendly” since 2011, and Henry Mayo’s campus now offers breastfeeding classes through a lactation program.

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These programs are designated to supporting breastfeeding mothers in a warm and nurturing environment, with help from Henry Mayo’s nursing staff and Lactation Specialists, according to hospital officials

“Breastfeeding your baby can be a very positive and rewarding experience,” Sweet said. “With the overwhelming benefits of breastfeeding for both mom and baby, ‘baby-friendly’ hospitals provide families with education, support and resources to help you meet your infant feeding goals.“

Classes offered at Henry Mayo include prenatal and postnatal breastfeeding support classes; and inpatient and outpatient individual consultations.

The outpatient lactation center offers nursing bras, hospital grade breast pump rentals, personal use breast pumps and more.

The World Health Organization recommends that babies are exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life, and continue for at least one year.

Breastfeeding is known as the best form of nutrition for infants, and also helps reduce the risk for childhood obesity and infectious/non-infectious diseases, according to American Academy of Pediatrics officials.  

Classes offered currently at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital include “Successful Breastfeeding” and “First Weeks.”

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital’s Breastfeeding Tips:

– Learn about breastfeeding during your pregnancy by attending a breastfeeding class.

– Talk to your doctor or nurse about breastfeeding during your prenatal care.

– Hold your baby skin-to-skin immediately after birth for the first hour.

– Breastfeed exclusively unless medically indicated (only breast milk).

– Practice 24-hour rooming-in with mom and baby for better bonding.

– Breastfeed on-demand; 8-12 or more feedings every 24 hours.

– Avoid pacifiers and bottles for the first four weeks, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

– Attend breastfeeding support groups after you leave the hospital.

For more information about Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital’s Lactation Services, click here, visit the Henry Mayo Outpatient Lactation Center at 23861 McBean Parkway, Suite B-14 in Valencia, or call (661) 200-1515.

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital is a 238-bed, not-for-profit community hospital and trauma center in Santa Clarita. The Henry Mayo Hospital emergency department is open 24-7 to provide critical life-saving services, with a panel of physicians available around the clock for critical healthcare needs. In addition, a number of specialized care services are also available, including a maternity department, community hospital cancer program, advanced primary stroke center, spine and joint program, acute rehab unit, cardiology services, outpatient wound care, physical and occupational therapies and a wide range of surgical services.

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital

23845 McBean Parkway

Valencia, CA 91355

661-253-8000