What is best for baby?

From the World Health Organization to the American Academy of Family Physicians, and more, breast milk is widely regarded as the best choice for infants unless there are other extenuating health circumstances.

But just because it’s “natural” doesn’t mean it’s always easy to do.

GRMC now has two certified lactation counselors to encourage and support new mothers. Kayla Sherwood, RN, and Lisa Leris, RN, are available to assist moms before, during, and after their delivery at Kintzinger Women’s Health Center. 

Lisa Leris, RN, and Kayla Sherwood, RN are
Certified Lactation Counselors at GRMC

Kayla and Lisa are available to help provide education during prenatal classes to prepare for breastfeeding, provide support and coaching while in the hospital and after leaving the hospital for babies, moms, and dads.

The benefits for breastfeeding are substantial for babies, moms, and really, the entire family. More families are choosing to breastfeed as they are able and one of the goals is to make breastfeeding the norm. Kayla and Lisa are available to coach moms and babies to make it easier to nurse at least three months or more.

            Breastfeeding benefits go beyond just nutrition to emotional bonding, decreased risk for postpartum depression, certain cancers, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and so much more.

            Fathers play a huge role in supporting mothers in breastfeeding and lactation counselors include dads every step of the way.

            Are you a new breastfeeding mom? A breastfeeding support group meets the first Tuesday of every month at 10:30 a.m., in the Light Center for Community Health, 306 4^th Ave., Grinnell.

            Need more information? Call Grinnell Regional Public Health at 641-236-2385.