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Breastfeeding Support
Benefits of Breastfeeding
Both you and your baby benefit from breastfeeding. That’s because breastfeeding:
- Provides your baby with the nutrients, calories, and fluids needed to grow and be healthy
- Helps protect your baby from ear infections, viruses, digestive issues, and other illnesses
- Promotes mother-baby bonding
- Helps you recover from childbirth
- Lowers your risk of osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer
- Is inexpensive and convenient
Lactation Consultants
Benefit from the knowledge and experience of lactation consultants—professional breastfeeding specialists—at Essentia. A certified lactation consultant may visit you in the hospital after your baby is born. Or, you can talk with them at breastfeeding classes and support groups, or a breastfeeding clinic.
Breastfeeding Education
Get the best start possible by attending a breastfeeding class during your final trimester of pregnancy. You and your partner may learn about:
- Breastfeeding holds
- Breastfeeding supplies
- How often to feed your baby
- Ways to avoid common problems
- How partners can provide support
- How to continue breastfeeding after returning to work
Support Groups for Breastfeeding Moms
Attend a free new-parent or breastfeeding support group near you to share your breastfeeding successes and challenges with other moms and get advice from a lactation consultant.
- Duluth, Minnesota: The Lactation Club (TLC) at Essentia Health-Lakewalk Clinic
- Brainerd, Minnesota: Mom’s Morning Out at Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s Medical Center
- Fargo, North Dakota: Tender Transitions at Essentia Health-South University Clinic
Find more breastfeeding support groups and resources through La Leche League of Minnesota and the Dakotas.
Infant Feeding Support Lines
Talk with a certified lactation consultant over the phone. Leave a voicemail and our team will return your call.
- Brainerd Lakes Area, Minnesota: 855-710-2229 (BABY) (Calls returned Monday through Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm)
- Duluth, Minnesota: 218-786-4477 (Calls returned 7 days a week from 8 am to 4:30 pm)
- Fargo, North Dakota: 701-364-8066 (Calls returned Monday through Friday 8 am to 4 pm)
- Bismarck, North Dakota: 701-712-4591 (Calls returned Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm)
Breastfeeding Clinic
If you live in or near Duluth, Minnesota, visit Essentia Health-St. Mary's Medical Center to find the region’s largest breastfeeding clinic. Take advantage of a wide range of services, including:
- Advice and education from certified lactation consultants
- Baby weight checks
- Breast pump rentals and sales
- Nursing bra fittings and sales
- Advice for breastfeeding special needs babies or adopted babies
These services are generally covered by insurance, but it's a good idea to check with your insurance company. These services are provided for free during your stay at Essentia Health St. Mary's Birthplace.
For more information or to schedule an appointment at St. Mary's Birthplace, call 218-786-4477.
You can also get advice and education from certified lactation consultants at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd, Minnesota, and at Essentia Health-Fargo in Fargo, North Dakota.
Baby-Friendly Hospitals
Feel confident that you’ll receive world-class care for moms and babies at Essentia Health. The following locations are Baby-Friendly® Designated Hospitals:
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Obstetrics
Depend on Essentia Health Obstetrics to provide care that fits your needs, from pre-natal, to birth, to post-partem care.
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Breastfeeding FAQs
Whether you're trying to decide if breastfeeding is right for you or if you've started breastfeeding, you're bound to have questions. We've put together some FAQs about breastfeeding.
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Northland Breastfeeding Resources
Find more breastfeeding resources in Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin.