Breastfeeding Care

We offer an abundance of breastfeeding education and support, including one-on-one guidance from our lactation consultants.

Request an Appointment

For all requests:

1-319-356-2294

For all other requests:: 1-800-777-8442

Whether you’ve developed mastitis (inflammation of breast tissue) or you’re nursing twins, breastfeeding can be challenging for you and your baby. But with the right support, it can also be a positive, rewarding experience.

If you have questions or concerns about breastfeeding, turn to the lactation experts from University of Iowa Health Care. We’ve helped countless patients begin—and successfully continue—nursing their babies, even after facing difficulties.

A professional yet personalized approach to breastfeeding

You’re probably aware of the many benefits of breastfeeding. But you may not have been told that breastfeeding isn’t always easy—especially if you’re a first-time parent.

We understand that breastfeeding doesn’t come naturally to everyone. That’s why UI Health Care has trained professionals who focus on supporting your efforts.

Certified lactation consultants

Many members of our obstetrics and gynecology team have received advanced training in breastfeeding management. For example, we have doctors, certified nurse midwives, and nurses who are certified lactation counselors (CLC).

Several of our staff are also international board-certified lactation consultants (IBCLC). This certification is considered the gold standard in breastfeeding training. It means our IBCLCs are experts in anticipating, preventing, and treating breastfeeding challenges.

Ongoing breastfeeding education

Our lactation consultants work with many people, including new and experienced parents, in a variety of settings. For example, you can reach out to us:

During pregnancy: We’re here to help if you want to get a head start on breastfeeding basics. We can teach you about positioning, latching, and recognizing whether your baby is getting enough to eat. We’ll also help you understand what supplies you may need, such as nursing bras and a breast pump.
While you’re in the hospital: It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when you’ve just had a baby and are trying to breastfeed. We can visit you in your room and provide hands-on support to help you get the hang of it.
After you’ve brought your baby home: Whether you’re concerned about your milk supply or need advice about pumping, give us a call. We offer lactation consulting by phone or in person at several clinic locations.

If you have general questions about breastfeeding that don’t require an in-person evaluation, please call 1-319-356-2294.

What to expect from our lactation consultants

In addition to offering breastfeeding education, we provide one-on-one evaluations and advice. Our lactation consultants can:

Assess whether your baby has tongue-tie or other challenges that make it hard to latch
Evaluate nipple or breast pain
Evaluate your baby’s milk intake
Figure out why your baby refuses the breast and offer solutions
Help you breastfeed while ill, hospitalized, or on medication
Help you wean your baby from breastfeeding
Manage your baby’s slow weight gain
Offer strategies for breastfeeding multiples (twins, triplets)
Provide recommendations to help increase (or restart) your milk supply
Treat plugged milk ducts, breast engorgement, mastitis, and sore nipples

Donor breast milk

If you’re unable to breastfeed but want your baby to experience the benefits of breast milk, you have another option. The Mother’s Milk Bank of Iowa collects, stores, and distributes donor human milk to those who need it.

Mother’s Milk Bank of Iowa is an accredited member of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America. All of its donated breast milk is pasteurized, tested for bacteria, and then frozen for shipping. Each bottle contains 100mL of milk and is labeled with an expiration date.

Learn more about ordering donor human milk.

Support services

UI Health Care offers on-site and virtual resources to help you prepare for breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding classes

Offered virtually and in-person, you’ll learn the basics of breastfeeding, pumping, and common breastfeeding challenges. Offered at both university and downtown campuses.

Breastfeeding supplies

Our main hospital campus in Iowa City has an on-site store with breastfeeding supplies like breast pumps and nursing pads.

If you’ve just given birth, you can have your purchased supplies delivered to your room before you’re discharged to go home.

Certified Nurse-Midwife

Megan

Drey

CNM, ARNP, MSN, CLC

Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN)

4.74 out of 5 (198 ratings)

Jaclyn R.

Roman

CNM, ARNP, MS, CLC

Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN)

4.66 out of 5 (427 ratings)

Lactation Consultant

Bonnie

Abbuhl

BSN, RN, IBCLC

Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN)

Deb

Doorn

RN, BSN, IBCLC, CCE

Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN)

Lori

Kirk

RN, BSN, IBCLC

Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN)

Grace

O'Brien

BSN, RN, IBCLC

Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN)

Tracy

Thacker

RN, BSN, IBCLC

Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN)

Nurse Coordinator

Haley

Andrews

MSN, IBCLC

Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN)

Have questions or concerns about breastfeeding?

Whether you want to learn more about breastfeeding or need hands-on help with positioning, give us a call. Our lactation consultants will help make your breastfeeding experience as smooth and seamless as possible.

Call 1-319-356-2294 Request an appointment Refer a patient