Services

Lactation

Feeding your baby looks different for every family, and our team is here to support you through every stage of the journey. Whether you are a first-time mom or have breastfed before, our lactation specialists provide personalized, hands-on care tailored to you and your baby’s unique needs.

Lactation support is available during your hospital stay and through outpatient appointments after you return home. From answering questions to helping work through feeding challenges, we are here to help you feel supported and confident along the way.

Lactation Services May Include:

Outpatient Lactation Appointments

Support doesn’t stop after delivery. Outpatient lactation visits are available for continued guidance once you and your baby are home. Our team can help address feeding concerns, answer questions, and provide personalized support to help you meet your feeding goals.

Mom’s Connect Support Group

The newborn stage comes with a lot of changes, questions, and adjustments, and sometimes it helps to connect with others who understand exactly what you’re going through. Mom’s Connect is a virtual support group for moms with newborns to gather, share experiences, and build connections with other local mothers from the comfort of home.

This flexible, come-as-you-are group allows moms to join as their schedule permits. Share conversation, exchange helpful tips and ideas, and receive support from a Certified Lactation Specialist who is available to answer questions and provide guidance.

Whether you’re looking for feeding support, reassurance, or simply a sense of community, Mom’s Connect offers a welcoming online space for encouragement, connection, and support during early motherhood.

Breastfeeding Benefits

Benefits of Breastfeeding for Baby

Breastfed infants have a lower risk of:

• Childhood leukemia
• Obesity
• Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
• Respiratory illnesses
• Ear infections
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
• Gastrointestinal infections
• Necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants

Benefits of Breastfeeding for the Birthing Parent

Breastfeeding is also associated with a lower risk of:

• High blood pressure
• Type 2 diabetes
• Ovarian cancer
• Breast cancer

Questions to Ask a Lactation Expert

How can I relieve nipple discomfort?
What can I do to help my baby latch more effectively?
Which breastfeeding positions might work best for us?
How can I build or maintain a healthy milk supply?
What are the signs that my baby is hungry?
How can I tell if my baby is getting enough milk?
How long should each feeding session last on each breast?
When should I consider hand expression or pumping

Tips for Partners Supporting Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding takes time, patience, and teamwork. Your support can help both parent and baby feel more confident and connected during this stage.

• Be patient as both baby and parent learn feeding routines together. Every experience is different.

• Help create a calm and comfortable environment during feedings by bringing water, snacks, pillows, or blankets when needed.

• Take on household tasks such as dishes, laundry, meals, or caring for other children so your partner can rest and recover.

• Spend time bonding with your baby through skin-to-skin contact, rocking, diaper changes, bath time, or soothing after feedings.

• Help with burping the baby during or after feedings to give your partner a short break.

• Offer encouragement and emotional support, especially during difficult or exhausting days. Sometimes simply listening can make a big impact.

• Watch for signs that your partner may need extra support physically or emotionally and encourage them to reach out to their healthcare team when needed.

• If breast milk is being pumped or stored, help clean bottles and pump parts or assist with preparing feedings.

We are a Milk Collection Depot

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics is proud to be a Mother’s Milk Bank of Iowa milk collection depot.

The Mother’s Milk Bank of Iowa collects, stores, and distributes human milk to infants in need across the region. If you are interested in donating breast milk, please review the pre-screening process here:
https://uihc.org/childrens/information-milk-donors

Once approved, donors can coordinate delivery details directly with the milk bank team.

To donate:
Heidi Baudhuin
baudhuin@healthcare.uiowa.edu | 1 (877) 891-5347

To order donor human milk:
Eleanor Bryan eleanor-bryan@uiowa.edu | 1 (319) 384-9929

What Our Patients Are Saying

“Great place to get caring medical care. Everyone was very helpful. They explained and did everything they could to make this a great place to go! Thank you!"

Rockwell City Clinic

“Everyone that I interacted with was very friendly and helpful. I only waited moments before being called back and seen by a very efficient team of nurses who were all super nice.”

Emergency Room

“Ann Riat, as my therapist, is very knowledgeable and caring about meeting her patient’s needs. She answers questions if you have any and offers ideas on what you can be doing to reduce any pain that you may have.”

Rehabilitation ServicesAnn Riat, PT, MSPT

“I had a wonderful experience with labor and delivery. The nurses were compassionate, and all the OB providers were very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend them.”

Inpatient Services

“Thankful that I was able to get seen quickly. The nurses and doctor were great. I always get treated really well whenever I have an appointment.”

Lake City Clinic

“We are very pleased with the care we get from Liz Peterson! The team is quick and efficient, and they always make us feel well taken care of.”

Gowrie ClinicLiz Peterson, PA-C

“The whole team is incredible, from the moment you check in at reception to the nurses, lab staff, and providers.”

Lake View Clinic

“Dr. Richardson listened and allowed me ample time to express my concerns regarding my health. She talked through my treatment plan thoroughly and in an understanding manner. She is the best!”

Lake City ClinicJulia Richardson, MD

“Dr. Hornback listened to all my concerns and created a plan to avoid a hospital stay. I was feeling better just days later!”

Lake City ClinicSusan Hornback, DO

“Jess Drees was knowledgeable, caring, and made me feel comfortable. The entire team was amazing and made sure I was well taken care of.”

Lake View ClinicJess Drees, ARNP, FNP-C

“The team at the RC clinic truly cares about their patients. They listen to your concerns and always take the time to answer all your questions.”

Rockwell City Clinic

“The entire staff in physical therapy are amazing. Derrick is doing a tremendous job! Stewart Memorial is the best hospital in Iowa. Keep up the great work!”

Physical TherapyDerrick Henkenius, PT, DPT

“Courtney is great to work with! She took the time to get to know my child before beginning the assessment. This helped him feel comfortable. During the assessment, Courtney was professional, compassionate, and respectful.”

Speech & Language TherapyCourtney Schreck, MA, CCC-SLP

Lactation Experts

Ashley Mork

CLS (Certified Lactation Specialist)

Katie Pudenz

CLC (Certified Lactation Counselor)

Schedule an Appointment

schedule an appointmentTo schedule with one of our Lactation Experts, call our Obstetrics Wing.

Frequently asked questions:

Do I need a referral to schedule a lactation consultation?

No. Referrals are not needed. You can contact the lactation team through your nurse or call the clinic, hospital, or obstetrics wing to schedule a visit.

What should I bring to my lactation appointment?

Please bring:

Your baby
Your breast pump, if you have one
Any breastfeeding devices you use, such as a nipple shield

If your baby has had difficulty latching and has been receiving bottle feedings, please also bring a bottle as a backup feeding option in case breastfeeding does not go as planned during the visit.

Does insurance cover lactation services?

Insurance is not required. We do not charge for lactation visits.

When should I contact a lactation Expert?

You do not have to wait until you are having significant difficulties. Lactation support can be helpful during pregnancy, in the first days after delivery, when returning to work, or anytime questions arise about feeding.

Can I get help if I am pumping exclusively or supplementing with formula?

Absolutely. Lactation support is available regardless of how you choose to feed your baby. Our goal is to help you meet your family’s feeding goals in a way that works best for you and your baby.

What are signs that I should reach out for lactation support?

Consider contacting a lactation expert if feedings are painful, your baby is having difficulty latching, you have concerns about milk supply, your baby is not gaining weight as expected, you have questions about pumping or returning to work, or you simply want reassurance that feeding is going well.

Can you help me store and prepare breast milk safely?

Yes. Lactation consultants can provide guidance on pumping, milk storage, thawing and warming breast milk, and safe handling practices.

Is it okay to ask for help even if breastfeeding is going well?

Absolutely. Lactation support is not only for challenges or emergencies. Many families seek guidance to prepare before baby arrives, build confidence, return to work, or make sure feeding is progressing as expected.

What is the Milk Collection Depot?

A Milk Collection Depot is a safe, convenient location where families can drop off expressed breast milk for proper storage, handling, or transport to a designated milk bank or facility (depending on your program). Staff can also provide guidance on labeling, storage requirements, and safe transport procedures.