Breastfeeding and Lactation Services

UnityPoint Health is here to support in every step of postpartum care. The decision to breastfeed is a personal one. Breastfeeding provides numerous benefits for you and your baby - and is a beautiful and natural way to bond.

Breastfeeding Support Services

Our qualified lactation services staff is here to provide extensive breastfeeding education and support. The services below may vary depending on your location. Please check with a location near you to learn what is available.

Breastfeeding Class - You will learn the art of breastfeeding - including education on teaching your baby to latch and suck, tips for milk production and nutrition tips for nursing parents - what to expect during the beginning days and what support resources are available after you leave the hospital. We encourage you to learn more about available classes near you.
Inpatient Support - Following the birth of your baby, our certified lactation/support specialists will answer any questions you may have and will provide support to best meet your breastfeeding goals. Contact your birth center to find out what lactation specialist services are available.
Postpartum Home Visits & Lactation Consultations - During a postpartum home visit the nurse can come to your home to make sure you and your baby are doing well. At a typical visit, the nurse would discuss baby care, post-delivery care, parenting questions or concerns, breastfeeding support, available services and more. Our experts can provide guidance on everything from how to prevent a breast yeast infection to unclogging a milk duct. Consultations may also be available, depending on your location.
Outpatient Clinic Consultations - If questions or concerns arise after you return home, our lactations specialists are here to help with breastfeeding challenges you may face, including positioning, latch concerns, engorgement or milk supply. Contact your birth center to find out what lactation specialist services are available.

Breastfeeding Benefits

Breastfeeding provides numerous benefits for parents and baby. Our teams are here to help you meet your individual breastfeeding goals!

Benefits for Baby

Provides essential nutrients and antibodies to help protect baby's immune system.
Lowers risk of childhood obesity, asthma, SIDS, ear infections, respiratory issues, stomach viruses, allergies and diabetes.
Easy for baby to digest.
Improves baby's cognitive development.

Benefits for Birthing Parent

Special bonding time for you and your baby.
Reduces stress and lowers risk for postpartum depression.
Reduces risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and type 2 diabetes.
Stimulates uterine healing, helping you to regain pre-pregnancy figure back more quickly.
Saves money.
Reduces frequency of preparing and cleaning bottles.

Tips for Partners

Regardless if this is your first or fourth baby, understand that this process is new for both mother and baby. This means that frustrations may run high.
Bring the baby to your partner and offer to help with positioning the baby for feedings.
Try to help in other ways with your baby. Changing diapers may not be a fun task, but it allows you to interact with your baby one-on-one. Snuggling and changing clothes are some other ideas.
Burping the baby may be helpful during and after feedings.
Hold the baby before and after feedings. This way the baby is able to develop a relationship with you as well.
Feed an occasional bottle of breast milk after the baby is 3 to 4 weeks old or if your partner pumps their breast milk.