Champaign-Urbana Breastfeeding Resources
Many women think of breastfeeding as this completely natural, EASY, wonderful experience, and for some women it is. For other new moms (or repeat moms), it’s a lot more complicated than that. And that’s where that old phrase “it takes a village” comes in. We are fortunate to have many resources for breastfeeding mothers in the Champaign-Urbana area.
Here is an updated guide to breastfeeding resources in our community.
Editor’s note: Since the coronavirus pandemic has affected in-person consultations, classes, and group meetings, please be sure to contact the listed resources to find out what kind of help is available during 2020.
Professional Resources: Lactation Consultants and Other Breastfeeding Professionals in Champaign-Urbana and Beyond
Carle Breastfeeding Clinic
Locations:
- Carle Urbana on Windsor, (1818 E Windsor Rd, Urbana)
Times: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. - Carle Champaign on Curtis
Times: Tuesday and Thursday, from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Contact: 326-2610, press 1 to schedule an appointment.
Eligibility: Open to Anyone
The Carle Community Breastfeeding Clinic (for outpatient services) is an amazing resource for lactating mothers once they leave the hospital, and you don’t even have to be a Carle patient to utilize its services such as weight checks and feeding evaluations. The clinic can also help you with information regarding breast pumps, understanding breast milk storage and assistance with the challenges of returning to work while breastfeeding.
Watch our Facebook Live chat with Karima Isberg of the Carle Breastfeeding Team.
Champaign Urbana Public Health District Breastfeeding Support
Contact:Valerie Koress, IBCLC: vkoress@c-uphd.org, Phone: 217-531-4324
Eligibility: Offered for women enrolled in WIC who wish to breastfeed or are currently breastfeeding.
CUPHD Certified Lactation Counselors offer one-on-one help, prenatal breastfeeding education, access to breast pumps, and other breastfeeding support for WIC clients who wish to breastfeed or are currently breastfeeding.
Locations:
Champaign CLCs
Emily (217) 531-4323
Breann (217) 531-4301
Rachel (217) 531-4289
Times: CLC’s available daily 8:30-11 a.m. and 1:00-3:30 p.m., or by appointment, at the CUPHD main office, 201 W. Kenyon, Champaign.
Rantoul CLC
Tammy (217) 893-0832
Times: available 8:30-11 a.m. and 1:00-3:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at the Rantoul Satellite office, 520 E. Wabash Drive.
Theresa Hardy MSN, CPNP, IBCLC, Certified Pediatric Nurse and Certified Lactation Consultant
Eligibility: Open to Anyone; fee-based, some insurances may reimburse.
As a nurse practitioner and internationally certified lactation consultant, Theresa Hardy has opened a private practice to help breastfeeding mothers in the Champaign-Urbana area. See the above link for her contact info and services or visit her site.
24-hour Breastfeeding Support: Local Hotlines and Social Media Groups
Help is available 24 hours a day by phone at (217) 326-2610, press 2 and leave a message. Between the hours of 9 a.m. – 10 p.m., a lactation consultant will call you back. Calls after 10 p.m. will be directed to the Carle patient advisory nurses.
CUPHD Breastfeeding Hotline
A 24hr/day breastfeeding support hotline number, (Call or text): (217) 390-0664
OSF Moms of Beautiful Babies – Urbana (Breastfeeding Support)
The OSF Moms of Beautiful Babies social network is an opportunity to chat with other expecting, new and experienced moms in a safe, supportive arena. Medical staff moderates the group and is available for advice and support, but CAN NOT provide medical care or diagnosis through this resource.
Breastfeeding Support Groups
Carle breastfeeding support group
Carle offers a breastfeeding support group every Thursday from 10 a.m. – noon at The Forum at Carle in Urbana. It is facilitated by IBCLC. Valet parking and snacks available!
La Leche League of Champaign
Contact: Holly Wondra, (815) 347-3064 or hollywondra@yahoo.com
Eligibility: Open to Anyone
La Leche League of Champaign is an affiliate of La Leche League International. Their mission is to help mothers breastfeed through mother to mother support, encouragement, information and education, and to provide a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the health and development of baby and mother. See the La Leche League Facebook page for updated info on events and meetings.
Champaign County Breastfeeding Support Group
Eligibility: Open to Anyone
Generally meets the first Tuesday of the month from 5:30 – 6:30 pm at the First United Methodist Church, 304 S. Race Street, Urbana. Children are welcome and light snacks are provided.
Breastfeeding Classes
Carle Foundation Hospital, All About Baby Program
Contact: 383-6962 for more information or to register for a class
Eligibility: Open to Anyone
The Carle All About Baby Program provides hands on prenatal education to the community regardless of your hospital or clinic preference. This program educates on birthing styles, breastfeeding, baby care, and many other prenatal subjects. Breastfeeding specific classes include:
Breastfeeding: Find out if breastfeeding is the right choice for you and your baby. Preparation for breastfeeding, breast anatomy and physiology, tips on making nursing easier, and solving common breastfeeding problems will be discussed.
Pumps, Pumping and Storing Breastmilk: If you want to learn to express and store your breastmilk this course is for you. This class is beneficial for those at risk for pre-term delivery, planning travel, going back to work, or even for the occasional mother/baby separation.
Free and open to the public, but registration is required.
Christie Clinic Breastfeeding Class
Contact: call 217-366-1255 to reserve your space in a class.
Eligibility: unknown
During this class, participants will learn how to breast-feed their infants and review the physiology of milk production. Common problems that mothers may encounter during breast-feeding and strategies for resolving them will be discussed.
OSF Healthcare Prenatal Care Classes
Contact:April K. Hine at (217) 337-2122.
Eligibility: Open to Anyone
General childbirth education, dads classes and more.
Feeding My Baby Class: Taught by lactation consultants and lactation counselors, this class covers the advantages and challenges of breastfeeding, focusing on securing breastfeeding success. It is recommended during the final trimester of pregnancy.
Gibson Area Hospital
Contact: 217-784-2510 for more information or to register for a class
Eligibility: Open to Anyone; there is no charge for mothers who will be delivering at G.A.H. The cost for mothers not delivering at G.A.H is $20.00.
Breastfeeding Class: This interactive class will assist expecting mothers and their support person to help understand breastfeeding. Topics covered include, but are not limited; how breastfeeding works, latching on and positioning, when to feed your baby, getting enough milk, breast care, and breastfeeding lifestyle. This class is taught by one of our certified lactation counselors and is offered every other month on the 4th Monday or Tuesday of the month from 7pm-9pm at Gibson Area Hospital.
Where to Donate Milk
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District’s Milk Depot
C-UPHD office, 201 W. Kenyon Rd., Champaign
Opened in June 2014, this is a place where moms can donate excess expressed breast milk. See above link for story and details.
Relevant Links:
See a full list of Childbirth and Baby Classes in Champaign-Urbana
Did we miss a local resource? Email us – editor@chambanamoms.com
