OSF HealthCare Saint Katharine Enhances Support for New Mothers

OSF HealthCare Saint Katharine Medical Center is emphasizing its extensive lactation services in celebration of National Breastfeeding Month. The medical facility, located in Dixon, Illinois, is dedicated to supporting mothers both before and after childbirth with personalized lactation care tailored to individual needs.

Comprehensive Lactation Support for New Mothers

The hospital’s team of certified lactation consultants is committed to ensuring families feel confident throughout their breastfeeding journeys. According to Gwen Strum, a lactation consultant at OSF Saint Katharine, “We prioritize the postpartum phase of a woman’s childbirth experience just as much as her pregnancy, which includes lactation support.” Strum emphasizes that support should not end once the baby arrives. She notes that whether a mother and baby are experiencing challenges or simply need reassurance, the hospital provides close follow-up care.

Many mothers have expressed gratitude for the support they receive. Clara Haas, a new mother, shared her experience: “With the start of my lactation journey looking different than I had anticipated, anxiety began to overwhelm me. With the consistent and dedicated help of OSF’s lactation consultant, Gwen Strum, we quickly came up with a personalized solution for stressful feedings.” She further remarked on the importance of individualized support, stating, “Breastfeeding is not one size fits all. With the support of Gwen, I began to feel confident in how it needed to be tailored to best work for me and my baby.”

Personalized Care from Pregnancy Through Postpartum

Lactation care at OSF Saint Katharine begins during pregnancy, featuring one-on-one prenatal consultations led by International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs). These consultations allow expectant mothers to ask questions, learn the basics of breastfeeding, and build their confidence prior to delivery. Additionally, breastfeeding education classes, also led by IBCLCs, provide in-depth instruction for mothers and their support partners.

After delivery, mothers benefit from in-hospital lactation support and a structured follow-up plan. Within two to five days of discharge, a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) conducts a home visit to further assist the mother. If additional support is required, mothers can access services from an IBCLC at the OSF Saint Katharine outpatient lactation clinic.

For those interested in scheduling a lactation consultation or seeking further information, OSF Saint Katharine’s Women’s Health Services can be contacted at 815-285-5427, or inquiries can be directed to the outpatient lactation clinic at 815-285-5834. The hospital’s commitment to supporting new mothers underscores the importance of lactation services in enhancing the overall postpartum experience.