Breastfeeding services
Lactation services are available to help mothers meet their breastfeeding goals. Our lactation consultants are specially trained to provide information and assistance to breastfeeding mothers.
Breastfeeding Resources
- How to make more breast milk for your baby
- Prenatal Care: Getting Started with Breastfeeding, Source: Minnesota Breastfeeding Coalition
- Getting Started With Breastfeeding, Source: Stanford University
- Breastfeeding, Source: Global Health Media
- Pump In Style Advanced - How to Use, Source: Medela Breastfeeding, YouTube
- Find Donor Human Milk
What is a lactation consultant?
A lactation consultant is someone specially trained to provide information and assistance to the breastfeeding mother. Our lactation consultants are International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC). The specialist does not replace a visit to your regular healthcare provider; he or she is a member of your healthcare team. Your lactation consultant is part of your support system, who will help you with all of your questions and concerns.
Support line
Hennepin Healthcare’s breastfeeding services are available to help mothers meet their breastfeeding goals. If you have questions, ask your provider to refer you to a lactation consultant, or call 612-873-MILK (6455) from 8 am - 4:30 pm.
Breastfeeding help
- Before baby is born
- In the mother's hospital room, after your baby is born;
- In the NBICU and Pediatric Unit, if your baby stays in the hospital or needs to come back;
- In the Breastfeeding Clinic, if you have gone home and need help.
Services
We're here to help mothers who:
- want to know more before the baby is born.
- want to breastfeed.
- are having problems.
- have babies with special needs.
- need to know how to fit breastfeeding into a busy schedule.
- just need someone to talk to.
Lactation consultants provide in-person and over-the-phone help. A lactation consultant will return your call and help to answer your questions and provide you with information. If a problem is not easily resolved over the phone, an appointment can be arranged for mothers to bring their babies to the clinic. Our lactation consultants are available to assist any mother even if you did not deliver your baby at our Birth Center. There is a charge for clinic visits. Fees may be covered by your health insurance provider.
Mothers may want to consider a visit to the clinic for the following situations:
- Baby not gaining weight appropriately
- Baby has sucking problems
- Nipples persistently sore
- Flat or inverted nipples
- Severe breast engorgement
- Problems with milk supply (too much or too little)
- Nursing an adopted baby
- Relactation
- Difficulty with breastfeeding technique
- A baby who has special needs due to illness or prematurity
- Nursing twins or triplets.
If you have any of these needs, or if you have questions, ask your provider to refer you to a lactation consultant, or call 612-873-MILK (6455) from 8 am - 4 pm. In addition to serving our patients, we are available to all Hennepin Healthcare employees.
Your visit
During your visit, the staff will take a history of the mother and baby, observe the baby during feeding, determine possible causes of difficulty, and offer options from which the mother can choose to help solve the problems she and her baby are experiencing. When a woman calls or comes to the clinic for information or help, the staff maintains contact with the family’s health care provider(s), relaying information on breastfeeding problems and progress.
Breastfeeding Clinic
Services are offered Monday-Friday, 8 am until 4:30 pm in the Pediatric Clinic at the Clinic & Specialty Center. Additional services are available on Saturday and Sunday at the Breastfeeding Clinic, located in the Orange Building, 1st floor, room 130 (O1.130).