Breastfeeding Clinic opens in Amarillo

There is now a new place for mothers to receive support and encouragement when it comes to breastfeeding their children. The TTUHSC at Amarillo recently opened the TTUHSC Breastfeeding Clinic in the department of pediatrics.

“This is a great opportunity for us to provide a much-needed service in our community,” said School of Medicine Regional Dean Richard Jordan, M.D. “With all of the resources we have here at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, this was a natural move for us.”

Funding for this clinic was generously provided by the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) of the High Plains. The grant allowed for two clinic rooms to be converted to a more comfortable setting for breastfeeding mothers. Exam tables and medical equipment were removed, allowing for a large comfortable chair and other items to make mothers feel at home. Mothers will receive assistance and encouragement from lactation experts in Amarillo.

Watch Founding La Leche League Member Marian Tompson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sig-oJqpthU&feature=youtu.be

“We try our best to make the mothers feel like they are in a relaxed atmosphere because it makes them feel welcome and not like they are not in a typical medical clinic,” said Clinic Administrator Angela Hartfelder, R.N.

The CMN grant also funded the CMN Baby Café, a join effort between CMN, TTUHSC, Northwest Texas Healthcare System and BSA Health System.

“The Baby Cafe is a great program that will help many women in our area and encourage them to breastfeed,” said Assistant Dean of Research and founder of the InfantRisk Center, Thomas Hale, Ph.D., “It is amazing to see all four medical entities come together to make this program a reality.”

The CMN Baby Café is a support group for new mothers and for those who continue to breastfeed. The group will meet once a week, and physicians and experts will be available to answer questions. Mothers will be shown proper breastfeeding techniques and will be able to form relationships with other women in the group.

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