At Haywood Regional Medical Center’s women’s care unit, we understand that welcoming a child into the world is one of life’s most profound experiences. From skilled obstetricians and experienced nurses to board-certified lactation consultants, our team is dedicated to ensuring that every mother, baby, and family receives the highest level of care.

Lactation services are a key part of that commitment. As certified lactation consultants, we work one-on-one with new parents to guide, support, and encourage successful breastfeeding. The benefits of breastfeeding go beyond nutrition. It’s an act of bonding, healing, and lifelong wellness for both mother and baby.

Breastfeeding is the natural, normal way to feed infants. Human milk is perfectly designed for human babies, delivering optimal nutrition and critical immune support. Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, with continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods for up to two years or beyond, as desired by mother and child.

At Haywood Regional, we proudly support this journey by offering:

• One-on-one lactation consultations during and after hospital stays,
• Weekly Mother’s Connection Group at Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center,
• Education on breastfeeding techniques, positioning, pumping, and returning to work,
• And guidance on understanding newborn cues, feeding patterns, and colostrum, the baby’s first immune-rich milk often called “liquid gold”.

Breastfed babies have a lower risk of infections, asthma, SIDS, obesity, reflux, and chronic conditions like type 1 diabetes. Breast milk strengthens infant immunity, promotes cognitive development, and ensures ideal growth. For mothers, the benefits are just as powerful, including reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers, postpartum depression, and high blood pressure, among others. It also promotes faster postpartum healing and fosters emotional connection.

In addition to lactation support, Haywood Regional women’s care unit offers a full range of maternity services in a calm, family-centered environment. Our labor and delivery unit is designed with both comfort and safety in mind, and includes:

• Private birthing suites,
• Rooming-In: allowing mothers and babies to stay together day and night,
• Around-the-clock OB/GYN and pediatric care,
• Labor, delivery, recovery, and post-partum nursing care,
• Pain management, including anesthesia and epidural services,
• And immediate postpartum and breastfeeding support.

We’re proud to deliver personalized care, whether you're preparing for your first baby or expanding your family. Every birth is unique, and every patient deserves compassionate, evidence-based care every step of the way.

Let Us Be Part of Your Journey!
If you or a loved one are planning to start a family, we encourage you to connect with our Haywood Regional women’s care team. From prenatal care through labor, delivery, breastfeeding, and beyond, we are here for you - every step, every milestone, every moment.

To learn more about our labor, delivery, and lactation services, visit www.MyHaywoodRegional.com/Womens-Care or call 828.452.8445.

Together, we’re making Haywood County a healthier, stronger place to grow families, starting from day one.

Charlotte Muirhead, BSN, RN, IBCLC and Heidi Byer, BSN, RN, IBCLC
Your Lactation Consultants at Haywood Regional Medical Center