Breastfeeding support at IU Health Fishers extends care beyond delivery

By Emma Avila, epackard1@iuhealth.org, writer for IU Health’s Metro Region

After a complicated delivery, Saunnie and Megan Trinkle-Knotts found reassurance, breastfeeding support and a sense of community through compassionate care and a new breastfeeding support group at IU Health Fishers.

Saunnie and Megan Trinkle-Knotts are enjoying time with their 3-month old, William. The couple has been together since 2021 and married in 2023. While Megan has two children from a previous marriage, this was Saunnie’s first pregnancy.

They arrived at IU Health Fishers on January 12, excited to meet their newest family member.

“The new unit is really nice,” Saunnie recalls. “They induced me on Monday, but I didn’t progress quickly. I was finally ready to push around 5 am Wednesday morning.”

A complication met with compassionate care

During delivery, an unexpected complication arose. William’s umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck, and Saunnie experienced a hemorrhage. The situation quickly became serious, but the IU Health Fishers Maternity team was ready.

“The doctor was great. The nurses were all very encouraging. We can’t say enough about the team,” Saunnie says. “The experience was traumatic, and I still struggle with it, but the team was so supportive and reassuring.”

Megan echoes that sentiment.

“We loved how they kept us informed every step of the way,” she says.

Extra support for William and his moms

After birth, William was taken to the hospital’s Special Care Nursery, where he was placed on a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to help keep his airway open. Because of this, Saunnie was initially unable to breastfeed.

That’s when Laura Haven, a lactation consultant at IU Health Fishers, stepped in.

“Laura came in and taught me how to pump,” Saunnie says. “She knew how important breastfeeding long term was to me.”

Haven supports patients throughout their maternity journey and beyond.

“A typical day for me involves rounding on every patient on both our Maternity unit and within our Special Care Nursery, who is breastfeeding in any capacity,” Haven explains. “I provide education and hands-on support during their inpatient stay. I also field questions from patients who are already discharged and need support via phone.”

Within a few days, Saunnie was able to get William to latch. Once home, she initially continued breastfeeding when possible and supplemented with formula as needed. After a short time, she was able to exclusively breastfeed.

Finding community after discharge

Before Saunnie left IU Health Fishers, Haven told her about the hospital’s new breastfeeding support group, hosted weekly by the lactation team.

“The inspiration behind starting our breastfeeding support group was to provide a free, welcoming space for new moms to return to after discharge,” Haven explains. “Support group provides an inclusive, welcoming space where they can continue to receive lactation support as well as develop relationships with peers experiencing the same stage of life.”

For Saunnie and Megan, the group has provided reassurance and connection.

“I think being a mom is lonelier than I anticipated,” Saunnie says. “It’s really nice to be with other people who are going through the same things.”

“Everyone is incredible at reassuring the moms,” Megan adds. “You get one-on-one counseling from someone who really knows what they’re talking about.”

Support that extends beyond the hospital

Haven says those connections are one of the most meaningful parts of her work.

“What a joy it's been to see moms exchange phone numbers as they're developing friendships or support each other as they talk about some of the more challenging aspects of postpartum,” she says. “It's truly a joy to be able to continue a relationship with the families after they've been discharged and watch their little ones grow and develop.”

The breastfeeding support group meets at IU Health Fishers every Thursday, except major holidays, from 10:30 am to noon in Room C1110. To RSVP, please leave your name and phone number on the lactation office voicemail at 317.678.4726.