CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital forms support group for breastfeeding mothers

August is National Breastfeeding Month and CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler has created a support group for mothers currently breastfeeding to share experiences, challenges, and tips among peers.

The group will meet every Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Catholic Charities, 305 W. Rusk St. in Tyler, and participation is free.

Board-certified lactation consultants will lead the sessions.

“We want mothers from anywhere in East Texas to have access to great lactation support,” said Caroline Pillsbury, lactation consultant at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital. “This group provides a safe place to ask questions, share struggles, and receive reassurance that feedings are going well. It’s casual, easy to access, and come and go to make it easy for moms and babies.”

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development recognizes that breastfeeding provides essential nutrition to newborns, offer protection against common childhood infections and may reduce the risk for certain asthmatic diseases, obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, in partnership with the Northeast Texas Milk Bank, is home to the Donor Milk to Go program, where qualified donors provide breast milk for purchase to use as a bridge until the mother’s natural milk comes in.

So far in 2024, the Donor Milk to Go program has distributed more than 4,000 ounces to new mothers, nearly equaling the total amount for 2023.

This year, the hospital has also distributed more than 700 breast pumps through the breast pump depot, which provides insurance-covered medical grade breast pumps to new mothers.

“Everyone’s breastfeeding journey is different, which is why it is important to know what resources are available,” said Melaine Miller, Women’s Center clinical director. “Whether it is a support group, one on one consultations, donor milk, a medical grade breast pump, or just encouragement and support from our team, our goal is to make the journey as smooth as possible.”

Mothers interested in the breastfeeding support group can learn more by calling (903) 606-4086 or by emailing caroline.pillsbury@christushealth.org. Information can also be found on the events tab of the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Facebook page.