St. John's Services Women's Health Having A Baby Breastfeeding Services

Breastfeeding Services

Designated Baby Friendly for You!

As a designated Baby Friendly Hospital, St. John's has the highest level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.

Our lactation specialists offer a full range of services, including a prenatal breastfeeding class, education materials, the breastfeeding 24-hour warmline support service and the First Steps Mother’s Support Group after the baby has arrived.

Individual counseling is available during your pregnancy, as well as throughout your hospital stay. If you have questions or concerns after your discharge, please call the 24-hour warmline 217-535-3983 or make an appointment to come in for an outpatient visit.

Breastfeeding Classes

Dinner for Two: How to breastfeed your baby

This class is for moms and their partners who are considering breastfeeding or who have already decided to breastfeed their baby. The class is held in the evening once a month.

"Dinner for Two" covers how to get off to a good start, preventing problems, maternal diet, returning to work, pumping and weaning. Expectant moms should bring their partner with them, as well as anyone else who will be helping with the baby the first couple of weeks at home.

Look here for upcoming breastfeeding classes.

First Steps: Mother & Baby Support Group

The group meets in the Women and Children’s Clinic located at 400 North Ninth Street, directly across from HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital in the first floor conference room, classroom 2 (1030B) every Wednesday from 12 noon - 1:30 p.m. There is no charge for this service and no registration required.

Breast Pumps & Equipment

Our specialists can provide information on the types of breast pumps, rental locations and where they can be purchased. They can also offer strategies on how best to combine breastfeeding, returning to work and pumping. Information is also available about state and federal laws for nursing mothers in the workplace.

Resources for Breastfeeding

• Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program, USDA

• American Academy of Pediatrics

• La Leche League International or (800) 525-3243

• U.S. HHS Office on Women's Health (information and breastfeeding hotline)

• Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine

• Dr. Jack Newman's site

• Dr. William Sears Pediatrician

• Milk Banks of North America

• Medication and Mothers Milk page

• Low milk supply information

• Breastfeeding and parenting