Birthways

Breastfeeding

Birthways Lactation Services

Did you know that human milk contains at least one hundred ingredients not found in any artificial infant milk? Or that breastfeeding your baby decreases their chance of becoming overweight by 30%? Breastfeeding can also:

Reduce your baby’s risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes and asthma
Provide better resistance to infections
Offer protection from SIDS
Allow for easier digestion and fewer allergies
Help you lose weight faster
Protect you from ovarian and breast cancer
Decrease your risk of osteoporosis

"I like to motivate, and see moms and babies attach
and then take off on their own. It’s very rewarding to
see the nurturing process be successful."
- Sara Macy, RN, Birthways Lactation Consultant

Watch a video: See how Sara and our other lactation
consultants offer exceptional care to moms on Birthways.

Here to help

Here at Birthways, we know those things, but we also know that breastfeeding can sometimes be downright frustrating. So we don’t just throw statistics and information at you, and then send you on your way. We take the time to sit down with you and walk you through how to nourish your baby, because we want both of you to be happy.

We spend time with you during your hospital stay to make sure everyone is getting the hang of things. We have you come back to the hospital a few days after being discharged so that we can see how things are going. We also have a mother/baby help line available (515-233-7525) Monday-Friday from 9am-4pm in case a question comes up that you don’t have the answer to.

Let the numbers talk

We feel that mothers don’t always get the breastfeeding support they need, so they get discouraged, and either supplement with formula or quit breastfeeding altogether. The support we offer here works and our most recent statistics speak for themselves.

In the state of Iowa in 2011, the percentage of babies that had been fed only breast milk for the first 3 months was a mere 37.2%. However, when you look at babies born on Birthways, that number jumps up to an astounding 81%. At 6 months, only 17% of babies in the state of Iowa are still being breastfed, compared to nearly half of all Birthways-born babies.

Purchasing supplies

Birthways offers a variety of breast pumps, pump parts, nursing pillows, and other breastfeeding aids for sale through HOMEWARD Home Medical, which is located on the 1^st floor of Mary Greeley Medical Center just to the east of the main entrance and is open Monday-Friday from 8am-5:30pm. Keep in mind that often times your insurance will cover, or at least partially cover, things necessary for breastfeeding. So it may be more cost effective to get those things through your healthcare provider, rather than a department store.

Learn more about our
Breastfeeding Support Group
where you can connect with
other breastfeeding moms!

Extra Support

Bring your baby to our Breastfeeding Support Group to share and learn in a friendly, supportive atmosphere. The group meets once a month and is facilitated by a breastfeeding specialist. You will have the opportunity to weigh your baby, hear what is working for other mothers, receive information and support, and make connections.

You can also join our Facebook Breastfeeding Support Group! It's another great place to share stories, get support and connect with other breastfeeding moms.

Get started right

We know that sometimes there are factors that won’t allow a mother to breastfeed, but if it’s as important to you as it is to us, come visit Birthways and sign up for a breastfeeding class. We’ve also answered some of the most commonly asked breastfeeding questions below.

How do I decide if I want to breastfeed or not?
How often do I need to feed my baby?
How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?
Can I take medicine while breastfeeding?
How do I breastfeed once I go back to work?
Should I be eating certain things if I’m breastfeeding?
Is it okay to smoke or drink while breastfeeding?