Lactation consultants help moms thrive beyond the hospital

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

A new mom found confidence and support in her breastfeeding journey through IU Health West’s lactation consultants and weekly support group.

Alexis Warren has been enjoying her time with her 6-month-old daughter, Evelyn. This is she and her husband’s first child together and they delivered at IU Health West.

While in the hospital, a lactation consultant met with Alexis.

“When I gave birth, they gave us all that information. We met a lactation consultant while we were still trying to establish breastfeeding,” she recalls.

When she and Evelyn went home, Alexis was still having some difficulties.

“I was having difficulties getting her to latch and keeping her awake,” she explains. “Breastfeeding sessions were incredibly hard.”

That’s when Alexis remembered the hospital has a support group for breastfeeding moms. There, Alexis found comfort and encouragement from lactation consultants and other moms.

“We were given advice on proper latching, different holds, ways to keep us both comfortable,” she says. “Getting the advice and help we needed, it’s improved tenfold.”

“Here, we really provide full care for breastfeeding moms, including moms who are going to pump to bottles,” adds Crecia Berninger, a registered nurse and lactation consultant at IU Health West. “We provide outpatient one-on-one phone calls, and we do one-on-one visits. Then, we also provide outpatient care in a group setting weekly every Monday.”

August 1– 7 is World Breastfeeding Week, an annual celebration to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. For Berninger, she wants to make sure moms know they aren’t alone on their breastfeeding journey.

“Please come and get the help,” she says. “Don't sit at home and struggle. There are people here to help you.”

Learn more about IU Health West’s Breastfeeding Support Group here.