Grinnell hospital recognizes lactation team

GRINNELL — UnityPoint Health-Grinnell Regional Medical Center hospital and clinics recognized certified lactation consultants and specialists during Breastfeeding Awareness Month in August.

UnityPoint Health-Grinnell lactation specialists help parents in the days, weeks or months following delivery, helping new mothers navigate obstacles — getting a good latch, increasing supply, avoiding engorgement or helping to use a breast pump.

Before the birth of a child, a breastfeeding class provides a foundational knowledge that can help ease fears or concerns and answer questions that parents have before delivery, said GRMC in a press release.

In the first few days after having a baby, GRMC’s team supports parents who choose to breastfeed, both day and night. With two certified lactation employees on staff, parents don’t need to schedule inpatient appointments to be seen during their postpartum recovery.

After patients go home, Poweshiek County Public Health offers postpartum newborn home visits during which a nurse will visit patients at home to make sure parents and baby are doing well.

At a typical visit, the nurse would discuss baby care, postpartum care, parenting concerns and services available, the press release says.

The postpartum newborn home visit is a free service available for families residing within the GRMC service area. Call 641-236-2385 to set up a free appointment or for referral support information.

Outpatient lactation appointments are available in the UnityPoint Health-Grinnell OB-GYN Clinic or Family Practice Clinic.

Call 641-236-2323 to schedule an outpatient clinic appointment.