Imagine a place where breastfeeding is not only supported, it is nurtured. Imagine a place filled with breastfeeding supplies and clothes made especially for the nursing mother. You don't have to imagine such places any more; they actually exist. Lactation centers, both those affiliated with hospitals and those outside the health care system, are springing up all over the country, and many mothers think it is about time.

"I think lactation centers are an idea whose time has come," says Tamra Orr, mother of four from Portland, Ore. "I wish I'd had that kind of support when I was breastfeeding my own children."

Lactation centers come in many shapes and sizes. Some are located within a hospital and run by hospital staff members, while others are run by lactation consultants as small businesses. They offer a variety of services including classes, support groups, nursing wear, accessories and more. To mothers new to the world of breastfeeding, they can be a life saver.

Content on this site is not a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment, and may not be used for such purposes. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical question or condition. Reliance on information presented on this site is at your own risk. This site contains the opinions and views of other users. Given the interactive nature of this site, we cannot endorse, guarantee, or be responsible for the accuracy, efficacy, or veracity of any content generated by our users.