Our experienced registered nurses who are certified lactation consultants support breastfeeding families and educate them on the benefits and techniques of breastfeeding, as well as provide resources and supplies.

Our nurses will help you and your baby get started with breastfeeding within an hour of birth and when your baby is ready to feed during your hospital stay. Our lactation consultants are available for individual consultation to meet all of your breastfeeding needs.

Breastfeeding Education
A lactation consultant teaches a breastfeeding class for expectant and new parents interested in learning more about breastfeeding.

Telephone Support and Consultation
Lactation consultants are available daily to provide advice and problem-solving on breastfeeding. Our hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week. Call us at (320) 251-2700, ext. 52311, the St. Cloud Hospital Family Birthing Center or your health care provider for assistance.

Breastfeeding Supplies
Our consultants can advise you to find the breast pump best suited for your needs. We provide a wide variety of breastfeeding supplies. For information on our Breastfeeding Resource Center’s equipment and accessories for purchase or rental, call (320) 251-2700, ext. 52311.

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 diabetesand 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.

*Although any amount of breast milk the baby receives is optimal, research shows that these health benefits occur when breastfeeding is six months duration or longer and baby is exclusively fed breast milk.

Lactation Consultants

Jeanne Friebe	Jeanne Friebe, R.N., B.S.N., IBCLC, works as a lactation consultant and childbirth educator at St. Cloud Hospital. She has been a board-certified lactation consultant in the St. Cloud area for more than five years. As an R.N./B.S.N., she has focused on maternal/child health since 1984. Jeanne specializes in and enjoys educating and assisting new and expectant mothers/families with breastfeeding. She can be reached at (320) 251-2700, ext. 52311.
Shelley Gurbada	Shelley Gurbada, R.N., B.S.N., IBCLC, is a lactation consultant with St. Cloud Hospital. She is a registered nurse with more than 20 years of experience in maternal and pediatric nursing. She has been a board-certified lactation consultant for more than 13 years. Shelley can be reached at (320) 251-2700, ext. 52311.
Alice Schneider	Alice Schneider, R.N., B.S.N., IBCLC, is a lactation consultant with St. Cloud Hospital. She is a registered nurse with a certification in inpatient obstetrics. She has more than 30 years of experience as a nurse and has been an international board-certified lactation consultant for the past six years. Alice can be reached at (320) 251-2700, ext. 52311.
Melissa Anez	Melissa Anez, R.N., B.S.N., is a staff nurse and lactation consultant with St. Cloud Hospital. She has four years' experience as a nurse and earned an Added Qualification in Breastfeeding in 2001. She enjoys helping with the challenges and celebrating the joys new breastfeeding mothers experience. Melissa can be reached at (320) 251-2700, ext. 52311.