OSF HealthCare Saint Katharine Boosts Breastfeeding Support Services

OSF HealthCare Saint Katharine Medical Center is enhancing its lactation support services for new mothers in celebration of National Breastfeeding Month. The hospital emphasizes the importance of providing comprehensive assistance to families before and after childbirth, helping them navigate the breastfeeding experience with confidence.

The medical center’s team includes certified experts who deliver personalized care tailored to individual family needs. “We prioritize the postpartum phase of a woman’s childbirth experience just as much as her pregnancy, which includes lactation support,” stated Gwen Strum, a lactation consultant at OSF Saint Katharine in Dixon. Strum highlighted that assistance does not cease once the baby arrives. “Whether a mom and baby are struggling, or a mama just wants reassurance that things are going OK, we provide close follow-up.”

This commitment to ongoing support has made a significant difference for mothers like Clara Haas. Haas shared her journey, stating, “With the start of my lactation journey looking different than I had anticipated, anxiety began to overwhelm me. With the consistent and dedicated help of OSF’s lactation consultant, Gwen Strum, we quickly came up with a personalized solution for stressful feedings.” She emphasized that breastfeeding is not a one-size-fits-all approach, crediting Strum with boosting her confidence in tailoring the experience to suit her and her baby’s needs.

Lactation support at OSF Saint Katharine begins during pregnancy. Expectant mothers can benefit from one-on-one prenatal consultations led by International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs). These sessions allow mothers to ask questions, learn the basics of breastfeeding, and build their confidence ahead of delivery. In addition, breastfeeding education classes provide more in-depth instruction for both mothers and their support partners.

After childbirth, the hospital offers in-hospital lactation support and a structured follow-up plan. Within two to five days post-discharge, a certified lactation counselor (CLC) visits the mother at home to provide additional assistance. Should more specialized support be necessary, mothers can access further help from an IBCLC at the outpatient lactation clinic.

For those interested in learning more about OSF Saint Katharine’s lactation support services or to schedule a consult, inquiries can be directed to the Women’s Health Services at 815-285-5427 or the outpatient lactation clinic at 815-285-5834. The hospital’s commitment to breastfeeding education and support aims to empower mothers and ensure a positive experience as they embark on their breastfeeding journeys.