Most parents are aware of the multiple benefits breastfeeding provides to baby. However, even with all this knowledge, breastfeeding can still be challenging. There are many things that can impact breastfeeding success. Where do you turn for help when breastfeeding is hard?
Fortunately, many options for breastfeeding support exist within our community so you can easily find help to get you closer to meeting your breastfeeding goals. With this in mind, I have put together a list of Cedar Rapids area breastfeeding support resources to help you get the breastfeeding support you need!
Cedar Rapids Area Breastfeeding Support Groups
*Times and days are subject to change. Be sure to call ahead or visit websites to confirm meetings before attending!
WIC. WIC participants can ask for a referral to be assigned a WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor at any Linn or Jones County WIC clinic and get immediate services. Income eligibility guidelines apply. Call 319-366-7632 for more information.
La Leche League of Cedar Rapids. La Leche League of Cedar Rapids offers monthly Nursing Support Meetings at the Downtown Cedar Rapids Public Library in the children’s area at 6:30 p.m., usually held on the fourth Thursday of every month. There are also monthly LLL of Iowa Virtual Support Meetings– visit the EVENTS section on the La Leche League of Cedar Rapids Facebook page for more event details. Contact Cedar Rapids La Leche League Leader Katie for more information at LaLecheLeagueKatie@gmail.com.
Mercy Medical Center Breastfeeding Group. Mercy Medical Center Breastfeeding Group is held from 10:30 a.m.-Noon every Wednesday at the Birthplace classroom (701 10th Street SE, Cedar Rapids, 3rd floor. Park in the 8th Street & 8th Avenue Ramp). This is a FREE group for mothers, with a Lactation Consultant available to answer questions, and you are welcome to ask for advice from others. A scale is available to weigh baby, as well. Visit their website for details.
Mercy Medical Center Prenatal Breastfeeding Education Class. This class is held the 4th Thursday of each month from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Dads are welcome, too. To register, please call (319) 363-BABY or view further details by searching for upcoming groups under SUPPORT GROUPS on the Mercy Medical Center website.
St. Luke’s Breastfeeding Friends Group. The St. Luke’s Breastfeeding Friends Group meets on Tuesdays from 4:00-5:15 p.m. in the Helen G. Nassif Women’s & Children’s Center (150 11th Street NE, Cedar Rapids, in lower level Classroom B). This group is FREE and open to mothers of babies one year of age and younger. Meet with a hospital Lactation Consultant and other mothers to share experiences, discuss breastfeeding questions and find solutions to common problems. Babies receive a weight check each class. Visit their website for details.
St. Luke’s Prenatal Breastfeeding Class. This class is open to all parents and family members to help learn how breastfeeding works and what to expect the first few weeks nursing a newborn. Call (319) 369-8944 to register or visit the UnityPoint Breastfeeding Services site for more information.
Online Support
Cedar Rapids Leaky Mamas Facebook Support Group. All mothers in the Cedar Rapids area are invited to join the Cedar Rapids Leaky Mamas Facebook Group for local online breastfeeding support from experienced moms, as well as skilled lactation professionals in the community.
Cedar Rapids Area Lactation Consultants
Visit The Iowa Breastfeeding Coalition website for a list of local lactation consultants and resources for caregivers and health care professionals.
You can also ask for recommendations in the Cedar Rapids Leaky Mamas Facebook Group.
**Special thanks to our Guest Blogger, Lucy Mills, for putting together this resource for us!
Lucy Mills is a Cedar Rapids native & current resident and a busy mom of four sweet & high-spirited children. She is a WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, loves being active in the community and writes about her parenting adventures at Latched On Mom in her free time.
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