Woman breastfeeding a baby

Breastfeeding Services

Lactation services are available to help mothers meet their breastfeeding goals. Our lactation consultants are specially trained to provide information and assistance.

Services

We're here to help mothers who:

  • want to know more before the baby is born.
  • want to breastfeed.
  • are having problems breastfeeding.
  • 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 visit us in clinic when:

  • Baby is not gaining weight appropriately
  • Baby has special needs due to illness or prematurity
  • Baby has sucking problems
  • Having trouble with or want to learn new breastfeeding techniques
  • Nipples are persistently sore
  • Nipples are flat or inverted
  • Nursing an adopted baby
  • Nursing twins or triplets
  • Problems with milk supply (too much or too little)
  • Relactation (restarting breastfeeding after you have stopped)
  • Severe breast engorgement

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.

Locations

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.

Resources
Support line

We are here to help you meet your 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.

We can help you
  • Before baby is born
  • In the mother's hospital room, after your baby is born;
  • In the NICU 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.
A mother sits in a soft chair and breastfeeds her newborn baby, cradling the infant gently in her arms. The scene is calm and well-lit with natural light from a nearby window.
Your visit

During your visit, we will:

  • take a history of you and your baby
  • observe baby during feeding
  • determine possible causes of difficulty, and
  • offer options you can choose from to help solve the problems you and baby are experiencing. 

When you come to the clinic for information or help, we maintain contact with your and your baby's provider(s), passing on information on breastfeeding problems and progress.