Breastfeeding & Breast Pumps

Breast milk is the ideal food for babies, and should be your child’s exclusive food for the first six months of life.

Breastfed babies will likely have stronger immune systems, and have less of a chance of developing childhood diabetes and cancer. Breastfeeding also helps build an emotional bond between you and your new child. 

If you want to breastfeed, we have the support and resources you need. While you’re expecting, attend one of our breastfeeding classes to learn what to expect, what supplies you’ll need, and more. When you give birth, nursing and lactation support professionals can help you get started. 

Once you’re home, lactation consultations and more are available through our Women’s Centers in Springfield and Branson. Our Springfield location also offers a stylish selection of nursing bras and tanks in a wide range of sizes from Bravado, Anita, Majama and more, as well as breast pump rental and purchase and other breastfeeding supplies.

Breastfeeding Support Group

Whether you’re new to breastfeeding or you have years of experience, you’re still likely to have questions about breastfeeding. After all, every baby is different. We offer a breastfeeding support group in Springfield to help you connect with other moms and get answers from our lactation experts.

  • Springfield TLC (The Lactation Club) 
    Meets the first Monday of every month, 6-7:30 p.m. 
    (If the first Monday is a holiday, the group will meet on the second Monday.)
    Call The Women’s Center: Springfield at 417-269-4664 for details. 

Breast Pumps 

Breast pumping is not meant to replace breastfeeding, and choosing a breast pump is an important decision. You’ll want to consider cost (includes cost of batteries or other power source), how often you’ll use the pump, how effective it is, how easy it is to use, and the level of comfort it offers. 

Our Women’s Center in Springfield carries quality Medela breast pumps. Not all pumps are the same. Inexpensive pumps may not create enough suction (causing you to pump no milk) or create too much suction (pinching your breasts and causing you pain). They tend to break down more often than quality pumps. 

  • Hand pumps are inexpensive; the "power" and the "labor" are supplied by you. 
  • Small battery or electric single pumps work on one breast at a time and are for occasional use. 
  • Swing: A compact, single electric, personal-use purchase pump with two-phase expression technology. This style offers customized pumping with adjustable speed and vacuum control, and a convenient battery-power option for portable pumping. It includes a drawstring bag and single pumping kit with collection containers and lids. This is recommended for occasional/daily use. Plan on 20-30 minutes to express milk with this type of pump. 
  • Symphony Plus: The first hospital-grade rental breast pump with 2-Phase Expression®technology. Faster milk ejection and faster milk flow make this pump more efficient and comfortable. It accommodates double or single pumping, and features one-knob control with whisper quiet operation. It can be used with an electrical outlet or with its two internal rechargeable batteries for up to 60 minutes of pumping time. A breast pump kit is required (purchase separately). 
  • Pump in Style Advanced: This daily use purchase pump is designed for moms who pump several times a day. Housed in a stylish black microfiber bag, it contains an insulated cooler carrier, cooling element, and a double pumping kit with collection containers and lids. Two-phase expression allows for maximum milk flow, and this pump accommodates double or single pumping. It’s available in two bag styles: on-the-go tote and backpack. Vehicle power adapters are available.
  • Pump in Style with MaxFlow: Our insurance pump with hospital performance inspired by the Symphony Plus pump. This pump is a closed system, preventing backflow into the tubing. It is a double electric pump with an advanced motor that will remove more milk in less time. Mimics baby’s sucking rhythm with 2-Phase expression. The speed and vacuum settings are pre-programmed based on extensive research, but will still allow you to adjust for comfort.
  • Medela Freestyle: A purchase pump with 2-Phase expression designed for moms who pump several times a day. The Freestyle comes in a stylish microfiber bag, with an insulated cooler carrier, cooling element and a double pumping kit with collection containers and lids. The rechargeable battery provides up to three hours of pumping time. This pump allows for double or single pumping, weighs less than one pound, and has a digital display with timer and memory settings. 

Additional items are available, including pump replacement parts, special feeding devices, maternity and postpartum support belts, and more. Please call for prices.

Breastfeeding Tips

CoxHealth follows the Missouri Show Me 5 to help you reach your breastfeeding goals. We encourage skin to skin contact with your baby immediately after birth, as well as the following guidelines:

  • We encourage mothers to begin breastfeeding within the first hour after birth.
  • Rooming-in (infants stay in the same room as their mother after birth.)
  • We recommend giving infants only breast milk unless medically necessary.
  • Avoid giving pacifiers or artificial nipples to breastfeeding infants.
  • We encourage new moms to attend our breastfeeding support group.