MercyOne Waterloo Lactation Consultants

We know your decision to breastfeed is personal. Breastfeeding is beneficial for both you and your baby. Our certified lactation experts are 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.

Breastfeeding Support Group

If you're looking to connect with other breastfeeding parents, MercyOne offers a breastfeeding support group. The group meets every Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Waterloo Birth Center.

Register here

Are you at risk for low milk supply?

Sometimes breastfeeding is challenging in those first few weeks after giving birth. One reason may be that some women are at risk for lower milk supply, so you may want to meet with a lactation expert before you have your baby to discuss this possibility, as well as learning tips and gaining support in preparation for breastfeeding.

Women who may be at risk include those who have:

• Difficulty getting pregnant.
• Diabetes
• PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
• Thyroid disorder.
• Autoimmune disease.

Take the quiz 

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. 

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.

Become a milk donor