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

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

Our breastfeeding classes will get expectant parents ready for a successful breastfeeding experience. We will discuss how breastfeeding works, how to breastfeed, when to feed your baby, how you know if you are getting enough milk, breast care, and the overall breastfeeding lifestyle. Learning how your body makes milk is fascinating! The class will educate new moms on what the different breastfeeding positions are and how they are used. How do you get your baby to successfully latch on? You will find out in this 2 hour Breastfeeding Your Baby Class. After knowing the basic fundamentals of breastfeeding, you will feel much more comfortable to begin your breastfeeding journey with your newborn. Other topics discussed during class include maternal nutrition, breastpumps, returning to work, and weaning. We offer an in-person class or a virtual class.

Click here for upcoming class schedules.

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