Lactation Promotion and Support Program

Support & Encouragement

Support and encouragement are an important part of a successful breastfeeding/chestfeeding experience. For more information or to make an appointment, call our International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) at 845-364-3786, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, or email messingl@co.rockland.ny.us.

Lactation Services

We provide the following free lactation services for pregnant families and breastfeeding/chestfeeding persons:

• Counseling in person or over the phone, support, and referral.
• Information and resource materials.
• Help with challenges: milk supply concerns, positioning and latching on, engorgement, nipple or breast soreness, how to nurse in public, breastfeeding/chestfeeding twins or more, and returning to work and school.
• Classes, presentations and support groups.
• Guidance for employers on establishing a worksite lactation program.
• Assistance with becoming a lactation friendly pediatric or OB practice or daycare facility.

Download our Lactation Promotion & Support Brochure.

Human Milk Benefits

Breastfeeding/chestfeeding is a rewarding experience that benefits both mother and baby:

• Human milk is free! Formula is very expensive!
• Infants who are fed only human milk for the first six months of life are less likely to develop colds, flu, diarrhea and ear infections.
• It is convenient and easy; always the right temperature and ready when baby is hungry.
• Helps to lose weight gained during pregnancy and reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
• Creates a great bonding experience.
• Saves on health care costs because breastfed/chestfed babies get sick less often.
• Leads to fewer work and school days missed due to a sick infant, toddler or child.
• Is good for the environment: no bottles to wash or formula cans to throw away.

Rockland Baby Cafés

Baby Café USA is a non-profit organization that helps coordinate free walk-in sites, called Baby Cafés, where pregnant and lactating persons and their families can get free one-on-one support from trained lactation (breastfeeding/chestfeeding) specialists. Café visitors also have a chance to share their experiences with others in a group setting.

To get support at a Rockland County Baby Café:

• Baby Café Flyer 

Rockland County Lactation Coalition

The mission of the Rockland County Lactation Coalition is to improve the health of parents and babies in Rockland County by empowering families through a cohesive system of support and advocacy from the community, workplaces, childcare and medical practices, to create better health outcomes. The Coalition maintains health equity at the forefront of all its efforts and strives to eliminate racial, ethnic, and community disparities.

Want to be a part of the movement in changing the social norm around lactation in Rockland? Join our Rockland County Lactation Coalition today! For more information call 845-364-3786 or email.

Recognized Lactation Friendly Worksites in Rockland County

Allison-Paris Rockland County Office Building
11 New Hempstead Road
New City, NY 10956

Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Rockland, Inc.
65 North Main Street
New City, NY 10956

Child Care Resources of Rockland, Inc.
235 North Main Street
Spring Valley, NY 10977

Christine Knorr Psychotherapy Associates
28 New Hempstead Rd
New City, NY 10956

Dominican University New York
3 Campus Drive, Prusmack Building
Blauvelt, NY 10913

Finkelstein Memorial Library
24 Chestnut Street
Spring Valley, NY 10977

Good Samaritan Hospital
A member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth)
255 Lafayette Ave. (Route 59), Suffern, NY 10901

Jawonio, Inc
Main Campus/Administration
260 North Little Tor Road, New City, NY 10956

Lower Hudson Valley Perinatal Network (Spring Valley Office)
1 Hillcrest Center Drive, Suite 214
Spring Valley, NY 10977

Marquis Home Care
230 North Main Street
Spring Valley NY 10977

Montefiore Nyack Hospital
160 North Midland Ave.
Nyack, NY 10960

Nathan Kline Institute
140 Old Orangeburg Road
Orangeburg, NY 10962

North Rockland High School
106 Hammond Road
Thiells, NY 10984

Orange & Rockland
390 West Route 59
Spring Valley, NY 10977

Rockland Community College
145 College Road
Suffern, NY 10901

Rockland County Department of Health
50 Sanatorium Road
Building D, J, and WIC sites
Pomona, NY 10970

Rockland County Office Building A
50 Sanatorium Road
Pomona, NY 10970

Rockland Farm Alliance
220 South Little Tor Road
New City, NY 10956

Rockland Psychiatric Center
140 Old Orangeburg Road
Orangeburg, NY 10962

Rockland Children's Psychiatric Center
2 First Avenue
Orangeburg, NY 10962

Rockland County District Attorney's Office
1 South Main Street, Suite 500
New City, NY 10956

Rockland County Department of Social Services
50 Sanatorium Road Buildings C & L
Pomona, NY 10970

Town of Ramapo
237 Route 59
Suffern, NY 10901

Take steps to make your worksite lactation friendly! Call the Health Department at (845) 364-3786 or email messingl@co.rockland.ny.us for more information!

Lactation Friendly Child Care Centers & Homes

Child Care Professionals: Take steps to make YOUR facility lactation friendly!

For more information and assistance on becoming a lactation-friendly childcare facility, call the Lactation Promotion & Support Program at 845-364-3786 or email messingl@co.rockland.ny.us.  You can also visit Child Care Resources of Rockland to learn about the centers and homes that received the lactation-friendly designation in Rockland County.  For more information on becoming a lactation-friendly childcare facility, visit the NYS Department of Health on becoming a breastfeeding friendly child care program.

Designated Lactation Friendly Pediatric, Ob/Gyn, and Family Health Practices in Rockland County

Orangetown Pediatric Associates
30 Ramland Road, Suite 200 A
Orangeburg, NY 10962
(845) 359-0010

Integrative Lactation and Family Health
55 Old Nyack Turnpike, Suite 206
Nanuet NY 10954
(845) 323-1830

Montefiore Nyack Hospital Prenatal Center
258 High Avenue
Nyack, NY 10960
(845) 348-2550

Pomona Pediatrics
4 Medical Park Drive, Suite C
Pomona, NY 10970
(845) 362-0202

Pediatricians/Obstetricians: Take steps to make your practice lactation friendly! Call the Health Department at (845) 364-3786 or email messingl@co.rockland.ny.us for free technical assistance! For more information on becoming a lactation-friendly, visit the NYS Department of Health on becoming a breastfeeding friendly practice.

Resources

• New York State Department of Health WIC (Women, Infants, Children) Program
• New York State Department of Health Breast/chestfeeding Promotion, Protection, and Support
• American Academy of Pediatrics
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division About Breastfeeding (CDC)
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health Breastfeeding
• La Leche League International
• Stanford University Breastfeeding Videos
• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

Returning to Work or School

• How to Keep Your Breast Pump Clean (English)
• How to Keep Your Breast Pump Clean (en Español)
• Business Case for Breastfeeding
• For Breastfeeding Mothers Going Back to Work

Know Your Rights

• Breastfeeding Welcome Here Window Clings Talking Points/FAQs (RCDOH)
• Governor Hochul Reminds New Yorkers That New Law Requiring Paid Break Time for Breast Milk Expression Takes Effect Starting June 19
• New York State has laws that protect mother's rights to breastfeed
• Breastfeeding State Laws
• The New York State Bill of Rights has more information on your rights as a lactating person.
• Policy on the Rights of Employees to Express Breast Milk in the Workplace (NYSDOL)
• YOUR RIGHTS AS AN EMPLOYEE To Express Breast Milk At Work (NYSDOL)
• Rights of Nursing Employees to Pump Breast Milk at Work - Information for Employers (NYSDOL)

For Health Care Professionals

• American Academy of Pediatrics Policy
• American Academy of Pediatrics Resources for Health Professionals
• Becoming a Lactation Friendly Practice