HOSPITAL OFFERS LACTATION HELP.

Byline: Daily News

VALENCIA -- A new Lactation Service Unit has opened at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital to help new mothers with breast-feeding.

Beyond the vital bonding experience breast-feeding provides, the health benefits are encouraging: Reduced illness and infections, plus increased life expectancy among breast-fed babies. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breast-feeding throughout the first year of life, with the belief that breast milk is ``the optimal form of nutrition for infant growth and development.''

The goal is to encourage breast-feeding and help mothers learn the process.

``Breast-feeding is a newly acquired skill for both moms and babies,'' said Sally T. McGann, the hospital's director of women's services. ``For some women, it can take some initial assistance to get off to a healthy start. Early breast-feeding intervention is the key to breast-feeding success.''

The new service offers help before the baby is born, both inpatient and outpatient assistance and follow-up care, weekly support groups, information on tools and products, and solutions to breast-feeding problems.

The unit is staffed with two lactation consultants, available six days a week. Support groups and classes will be available for a $10 to $25 fee.

``We will address any breast-feeding concerns and provide a place where you can meet other mothers in the same position and discuss related topics, such as growth spurts, developmental milestones and sleep issues,'' McGann said.

The Lactation Service is on the hospital's second floor. For information, call [phone] or access www.henrymayo.com.