Learning to Breastfeed? Get Lactation Services at Essentia Health

Content medically reviewed by Emily Davis, APRN, CNM and Melissa Christoffersen, BSN, RN, IBCLC

The days after giving birth can feel magical as you bond with your newborn. It can also be overwhelming as you learn about the best ways to care for your baby, including how to feed them. If you choose to breastfeed, Essentia Health offers lactation services to first-time mothers and those who have breastfed before but could benefit from assistance. 

“Breastfeeding can often feel challenging in the first few weeks,” said Emily Davis, certified nurse-midwife at Essentia Health, “but it’s important to know you are not alone. Don’t be afraid to reach out for support—the sooner, the better!”

Benefits of Breastfeeding

Experts recommend breastfeeding for mothers who are able to do so. 

“There are many health benefits for mothers and babies who breastfeed,” Davis said. “Breast milk is considered the best source of nutrition for most babies. Breastfed infants have a lower risk of developing several conditions, including asthma, allergies, sudden infant death syndrome, ear infections, pneumonia, and certain types of leukemia, as well as diabetes and obesity later in life.”

Breastfeeding provides benefits to the mother as well, including –

• Decreasing the risk for developing ovarian and breast cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure
• Eliminating the need to buy and prepare formula
• Helping with recovery after childbirth, including losing baby weight more quickly

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends mothers breastfeed exclusively for the first six months of a baby’s life when possible. After that, breastfeeding can continue as long as mom and baby would like while also introducing solid foods. 

Getting Breastfeeding Support

At Essentia Health, we offer a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient breastfeeding and lactation support services. 

“Lactation consultants are experts in breastfeeding support,” Davis said. “They can answer your questions, offer tips and tricks for helping your infant latch effectively, as well as develop feeding plans, track your baby's weight, provide emotional encouragement, share evidence-based strategies to help increase milk supply and more.”

A lactation consultant can visit you in the hospital before you take your baby home. Other lactation services include –

• Breastfeeding classes. You and your partner will learn about breastfeeding positions, using a breast pump, how often to feed your baby, how to avoid common problems such as plugged ducts and nipple injury, and more. This class can be taken during the third trimester of your pregnancy.
• Infant feeding support lines. If you have questions, you can call your local support line and talk to a lactation consultant over the phone.
• Support groups. New parent or breastfeeding support groups allow you to share your experiences with other moms as well as get advice from lactation consultants.

Services available at Essentia Health include –

• Advice and education from International Board Certified Lactation Consultants via phone or in-person appointments
• Baby weight checks
• Breast pump flange fitting
• Breast pump rentals and sales
• Support for breastfeeding babies with special needs and babies who are adopted

Lactation services are generally covered by insurance. 

Preparing Mothers for Success With Lactation Services

Remember, lactation services are not only for first-time mothers; those who have breastfed in the past can also benefit. 

“It’s easy to forget how to breastfeed a newborn, as we only do it for a short while,” Davis said. “I typically encourage a breastfeeding refresher for those who have gone a few years between babies or who have new or changed breastfeeding goals.”

The most important thing to remember is that whether you are new to breastfeeding or you’ve done it before, it’s not unusual to encounter obstacles along the way, but resources are available to help.

“Try to be patient and recognize that your newborn is learning right alongside you—you are a team,” Davis said. "Breastfeeding can be challenging, but it’s also very rewarding.”