08/14/2025
"I knew I wanted to breastfeed as soon as I found out I was pregnant," says Tia Kling, a registered nurse at Elkhart General Hospital and mom of three. But even for someone who helps other moms breastfeed, the journey wasn't always easy.
During National Breastfeeding Month, we're reminded that while only 1 in 4 infants receive breastmilk exclusively, every journey is different and support makes all the difference. "There's a growth curve with each child, and that is the bonding that we talk about with breastfeeding," Tia said in this month's WSBT Eye on Health.
Beacon's Baby-Friendly designated hospitals, Elkhart General Hospital, Memorial Hospital and Beacon Kalamazoo, provide immediate skin-to-skin contact after delivery, expert lactation consultants and personalized education during your stay. After discharge, our lactation consultants offer follow-up phone consultations, support groups and outpatient appointments.
"Any amount is going to be helpful for both mom and baby. We're here to support people in whatever their goals and plans are," says Michelle Kaufman, certified nurse midwife at Elkhart General Hospital. Hear more from Michelle and Tia: https://bit.ly/3JcSyku