Lactation Care
We know your decision to breastfeed is personal. Breastfeeding is both beneficial for you and your baby. Our certified lactation experts are here to help you and your baby successfully breastfeed.
Breastfeeding and lactation care
Our lactation care team is here to help you reach your breastfeeding goals.
- Breastfeeding classes – Learn the basics of breastfeeding including preparing for breastfeeding, what to expect, skills and advantages to breast milk.
- Inpatient support – Our lactation consultants are available to help answer your breastfeeding questions, assess latching concerns, prepare a personalized feeding plan and more.
- Consultations – We are here for you even when you head home. If you have questions or concerns, our lactation experts can meet with you one-on-one to help with breastfeeding challenges like positioning, latch concerns, milk supply, check growth rate and partner support. Our lactation care team can also talk with you and your provider about supplementing, if needed.
Health benefits of breastfeeding
Breastfeeding has health benefits for both you and your baby.
Benefits for baby
- Lowers hospital admission rates.
- Fewer ear infections, rashes, allergies, diabetes, childhood obesity, asthma and SIDS.
- Protects baby’s immune system with essential nutrients and antibodies.
Benefits for breastfeeding parent
- Reduces your risk of developing osteoporosis, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and breast and ovarian cancers.
- Decreases your chances of developing postpartum depression.
- Increased production of oxytocin, helping contract uterus to pre-pregnancy size and decreases risk of postpartum hemorrhage.
Donor breast milk
MercyOne Waterloo Birth Center stocks healthy, pasteurized donor milk available for all parents in the Cedar Valley, even if you delivered at another medical center. To receive donor milk, you need a prescription from your doctor. The cost is $15 per bottle.
In addition to dispensing breast milk, MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center receives breast milk donations. Learn how to become a milk donor with Mother’s Milk Bank of Iowa.
As you consider your choices, feel confident knowing we’re here for you, whether you choose to feed your baby breast milk, formula or a combination of the two.
