Fairview Northland Regional Health Care’s lactation counselor provides comprehensive lactation assistance to breastfeeding mothers.

Char DeKraker, RN, is a certified lactation counselor who specializes in lactation education.  She, and the OB nursing staff provide support for breastfeeding mothers and help them achieve their breastfeeding goals.

Expectant and new mothers may request an appointment with a lactation counselor to discuss the health benefits of breastfeeding and how it will work with their bodies or busy lifestyles.

Why is breastfeeding important?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recognizes that exclusive breastfeeding is ideal nutrition and sufficient to support optimal growth for six months.  The AAP recommends that breast feeding continue for at least 12 months.

Breast milk provides nourishment and antibodies, which help protect infants from disease.  Breast milk lowers the baby’s risk of getting colds, flu, ear infections, diarrhea, meningitis, pneumonia and other infections.

Breastfed babies have reduced risks of diabetes, allergies, asthma, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, lymphoma and other diseases.

Mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk of premenopausal breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.  The longer mothers breastfeed, the greater the benefit to both mother and baby.  Breastfeeding also helps establish a strong emotional bond between a mother and her baby.

Breastfeeding support

After having a baby at Fairview Northland Regional Hospital, hospital nurses are there to answer breastfeeding questions, teach mothers about breastfeeding, and provide one-to-one assistance.  If there are concerns or problems, her provider or nurse may refer a mother to a lactation counselor, or she may request a consultation.

If problems arise or continue after mother and her baby have gone home from the hospital, the lactation counselor is available by phone.

Char DeKraker, CLC, 763-389-6329