Lactation

The benefits of breastfeeding to new moms and babies are many—and with the right preparation and support breastfeeding can be tremendously empowering. Our lactation consultant is here to help address common issues that may arise for mom or baby.

Mom

Pain when the baby latches (or difficulty latching)
Nipple pain or trauma (cracked or bleeding)
Milk supply concerns (over supply or lack of milk)
Hard, painful or red area on breast; may be accompanied by fever, body aches, fatigue
Maternal history of breast surgeries
Maternal history of hormonal issues; e.g., thyroid disorders, diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome, anemia

Baby

Has fewer than 3 to 4 stools daily between day 5 and 30 if exclusively breastfed
Less than 5 to 6 wet diapers daily after day 4 to 5
Feeding less than 8 times in a 24-hour day (baby should awaken on own for some of the feeds)
Feedings lasting under 10 min or over 50 min in first few weeks
Becomes more jaundiced (yellow skin)

Lactation Consultants

Shar Korson, RN, BSN, IBCLC

Shar is our lactation consultant, assisting new moms with breastfeeding. She has a bachelor's degree in nursing and worked in the birthing centers at both Metro Health and Spectrum Health. She is an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and a Certified Childbirth Educator. Shar also taught childbirth classes at Spectrum Health.

Cheryl Zeese Denenberg, BA, BSN, JD

Cheryl received her BA in audiology and speech sciences from Michigan State University, her BSN from Wayne State University, and her JD from Wayne State University. Emergency medicine and pediatrics have been the focus of her nursing career.

Resources

Request an Appointment

Online through our patient portal or call (616) 949-4465

To reach Shar or Cheryl directly, call (616) 957-5165, ext. 356

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