Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding has multiple health benefits for both infants and mothers. For infants, it decreases the incidence and severity of many infectious diseases – including respiratory tract infections, ear infections and bacterial infections -- reduces infant mortality, protects against diabetes and cancers such as leukemia, and optimally supports neurodevelopment. It also decreases infants’ risk of becoming obese later in childhood. For mothers, breastfeeding decreases the risks of breast and ovarian cancers, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease. In addition, women who breastfeed have less postpartum bleeding.

Help in the Hospital 

All Women and Children’s Center Nurses are trained in breastfeeding support and are here to help you and answer any questions you may have.

The Lactation Team consists of Lactation Consultants who are Registered Nurses with the IBCLC certification (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant). They are specially trained to provide direct breastfeeding and lactation support during your hospital stay. 

There are hospital grade electric breast pumps in all postpartum rooms.  Pumps are available in the NICU, L&D, Pediatrics and throughout the hospital for readmitted parents.

Pasteurized Donor Breast Milk is available for premature babies (<32 weeks; <1500 gm) if mother’s milk is not available or insufficient and parents consent for use.

Lactation Support is available for all NICU parents throughout their stay.  Breastfeeding and pumping support is offered to all families.

Lactation Support Program Warm Line:   (631) 444-2201, leave a message and we will respond within 24 hours.

Prenatal Support

Stony Brook Children's Hospital offers free prenatal breastfeeding classes.   No registration is required. 
Call 631-444-2201 for more information.

In 2026, these classes take place the 1st or 3rd Tuesday of each month.
Time: 6:15-7 PM.
Location: Hospital Lobby Conference Room (around the corner to the left of the gift shop)

It is the same class, you only need to attend once.

Support people are welcome to attend.

2026 Schedule:
January 6, January 20
February 3, February 17
March 3, March 17
April 7, April 21
May 5, May 19
June 2, June 16
July 7, July 14
August 4, August 18
September 1, September 15
October 6, October 20
November 3, November 17
December 1, December 15