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.
Professional Resources: Lactation Consultants and Other Breastfeeding Professionals in Champaign-Urbana and Beyond
Carle Breastfeeding Clinic
Locations:
- Carle Urbana on Windsor, (1818 E. Windsor Road, Urbana)
- Carle Champaign on Curtis
Help is available Monday through Friday. Call (217) 326-2610, leave a message on the voicemail and the lactation consultant will return your call as soon as possible. If calling after 4 p.m. your call may not be returned until the following business day.
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.
Champaign Urbana Public Health District Breastfeeding Support
Same-day appointments are available at 201 W. Kenyon Road, Champaign. Call ahead (217) 531-4529.
CUPHD offers a variety of services for participants in WIC/Maternal and Child Health programs including: one-on-one support/education from WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors and nutritionists, Certified Lactation Counselors, RNs, case managers, home visitors, and medical care referrals. WIC offers participants free breastfeeding classes and help accessing breast pumps. Contact for class times and program details. Interpreters available for nonEnglish speaking individuals.
Eligibility: Offered for women enrolled in WIC/Maternal Child Health programs who wish to breastfeed or are currently breastfeeding.
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.
Breastfeeding Support: Local Hotlines and Social Media Groups
Help is available Monday through Friday. Call (217) 326-2610, leave a message on the voicemail and the lactation consultant will return your call as soon as possible. If calling after 4 p.m. your call may not be returned until the following business day.
Carle also offers a Facebook group moderated by Carle International Board Certified Lactation Consultants. Open to all mothers regardless of where they receive care. More info here.
Breastfeeding Classes
Champaign Urbana Public Health District Breastfeeding Classes
See above.
Christie Clinic Breastfeeding Class
Classes are offered on Tuesday evenings (6-8 p.m.) on the first Tuesday of the month. Click here for a schedule. Classes are led by Theresa Hardy (see above). Call (217) 366-1255 to register. Classes are free. Learn how to breastfeed, physiology of milk production, address common challenges, and learn strategies for successful lactation. Available to the community regardless of where they receive care.
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 $50.
Breastfeeding Class: This interactive online 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.
Where to Donate Milk
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District’s Milk Depot
C-UPHD office, 201 W. Kenyon Road, Champaign
Opened in June 2014, this is a place where moms can donate excess expressed breast milk.
Relevant Links:
For a comprehensive list of resources, check out the CUPHD website.
Did we miss a local resource? Email us – editor@chambanamoms.com