We have experienced registered nurses certified in lactation consultation. They support breastfeeding families. They also educate about the benefits and techniques of breastfeeding.

Our nurses will help you and your baby get started with breastfeeding. The nurses will assist within an hour of birth and when your baby is ready to feed during your hospital stay. Our lactation consultants can meet one-on-one with you to discuss your breastfeeding needs.

Breastfeeding Education
A lactation consultant teaches a breastfeeding class.

Telephone Support and Consultation
Lactation consultants can provide advice and problem-solving for breastfeeding. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., seven days a week. Call us at (320) 251-2700, ext. 52311. You also can call the St. Cloud Hospital Family Birthing Center or your provider for assistance.

Benefits of Breastfeeding
Benefits* for mother include:

• earlier return to pre-pregnancy weight
• less bleeding after delivery and a more rapid return of the uterus to its normal size
• delayed ovulation, resulting in natural child spacing
• reduced risk of osteoporosis
• reduced risk of premenopausal breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

Benefits* for baby include:

• fewer infections of the respiratory tract, ear, brain and spinal cord, and gastrointestinal and urinary tracts
• protection against sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), insulin-dependent diabetes and diseases of the digestive system, colon and lymphatic system
• protection against allergies and asthma
• less gastric reflux, constipation and diarrhea
• reduced risk for childhood obesity
• decreased risk for childhood cancer
• potential for enhanced cognitive development.

Benefits for family include:

• fewer costs related to post-pregnancy care of mother and child (doctor visits, medication and hospitalization)
• economical cost of breast milk versus formula.

Benefits for co-workers include:

• reduced turnover of employees after the birth of a child, resulting in a more stable workforce
• less absenteeism of parents because their infants have 36 percent fewer illnesses
• increased health of mother and baby, leading to less insurance premium costs for all.

*Any amount of breast milk is good for baby. Research shows the benefits listed above are when breastfeeding is six months long or longer and baby is only fed breast milk.