Westmed to host free virtual breastfeeding classes

Rye Brook-based Westmed Women’s Health and Pediatrics Departments are offering free virtual breastfeeding classes to Westmed patients.

The classes, which are being presented in partnership with The Parent Collective, will provide patients with evidence-based information on breastfeeding, including initiating breastfeeding, latching on, hunger cues, feeding schedules, pumping and storing milk, and formula feeding.

Westmed will provide pediatricians, obstetricians and lactation specialists to host the classes, joining expert facilitators from The Parent Collective to address issues including breastfeeding twins, breastfeeding with a breast reduction or augmentation, and postpartum support. Spanish-language classes will also be available.

“Due to the current circumstances related to the pandemic, many new mothers are finding themselves with limited support as they isolate at home in order to keep their newborns as safe as possible,” said Dr. Patricia Calayag, deputy medical director at Westmed Medical Group. “New motherhood can be challenging under normal circumstances ”“ the pandemic has made it even more challenging for mothers to get the support they need.”

Westmed has New York medical offices in White Plains, Rye, Yonkers, Purchase, Scarsdale and New Rochelle, in addition to Connecticut offices in Greenwich, Darien, Stamford and Norwalk.