The Breastfeeding Clinic at
Great River Medical Center

What services does the Breastfeeding Clinic provide?

The Breastfeeding Clinic at Great River Medical Center is designed to support breastfeeding mothers. The purpose of the clinic is to help new and experienced mothers who have questions regarding breastfeeding, who plan to return to work or who wish to wean their babies. Each baby also is weighed at the clinic and the infant’s physician is notified of significant weight loss. The clinic’s services are not intended to replace routine pediatric health-care visits; the clinic is intended to help and support mothers and infants in the special area of human lactation.

Who staffs the clinic?

Two registered nurses who are international board-certified lactation consultants staff the clinic.

Where is the Breastfeeding Clinic located?

The clinic is located in the Obstetrics Unit on the second floor of Great River Medical Center, 1221 S. Gear Ave., West Burlington, Iowa.

When is the clinic open?

The Breastfeeding Clinic is offered from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays.

What is the cost of the clinic?

The Breastfeeding Clinic is free and no preregistration is necessary.

Advantages associated with breastfeeding include:

• Babies digest breast milk easily and quickly. They tend to have fewer colds, upset stomachs and allergies.
• Breast milk is "ready mixed," so there is no formula to prepare.
• Breast milk is always the right temperature, and it is sterile.
• Breast milk is less expensive than formula.
• Breast milk is specially designed for your baby's needs and is an extension of the way in which your body has nourished the baby in the uterus.
• Breastfeeding is a learned behavior for both you and your baby. Nurses in the hospital will help you breastfeed your baby until you are discharged.
• Breastfeeding is enjoyable for both mother and baby. It helps the mother develop the bond with her baby.
• The baby's sucking stimulates the uterus to contract, and the milk production helps use up the fat stored in the body during pregnancy.

For more information

If you have any questions about breastfeeding or would like more information about the Breastfeeding Clinic at Great River Medical Center, please call the Obstetrics Unit at (319) 768-2700.