Lactation Services
Orange City Area Health System Lactation Services
What is a lactation specialist?
These dedicated healthcare professionals provide expert education and guidance to expecting parents, helping them prepare for the exciting journey ahead. During the postpartum period, lactation consultants offer invaluable support to mothers, helping them navigate the complexities of infant feeding. At Orange City Area Health System, our highly trained Lactation Consultants are committed to providing mothers like you with the comprehensive support you need at every step of your feeding journey.
Breastfeeding is a personal decision that can benefit both the mother and the baby. However, some people may face challenges such as nipple pain or low milk supply that can cause them to discontinue breastfeeding. To help overcome these challenges, lactation consultants are trained to support infants and their parents. Seeking lactation support can increase the likelihood of successful breastfeeding for as long as you choose.
Choosing to breastfeed your baby can provide significant health benefits that last long-term. It helps to build a strong bond between you and your baby, offers the best nutrition, and is cost-effective. Although it may have a few challenges, you can depend on the assistance you'll receive at Orange City Area Health System to achieve success. Orange City Area Health System has three certified lactation consultants who provide personalized support to both mothers and babies.
Lactation Consultants Assist With:
Lactation consultants can offer general breastfeeding support and education. This includes showing you how to position and latch your baby for nursing and kangaroo care (skin-to-skin contact). They can also help you manage a wide range of issues that may come up, including:
- Breast Engorgement
- Oversupply of Milk (Hyperlactation).
- Blocked Ducts
- Low Milk Supply
- Mastitis
- Sore, Cracked or Painful Nipples.
- Latching Difficulties
- Tongue & Lip Ties
- Hand Expression
- Breast Refusal
- Breast Pump Flange Sizing
Appointments can be scheduled through the Patient Appointment Center on Wednesdays from 8:00am to 12:00pm.
Patient Appointment Scheduling: (712) 737-5380
Additional Resource:
Orange City Area Health System Lactation Consultants
Kayla Paulsen is a certified lactation counselor. She has worked at Orange City Area Health System in the mother and baby postpartum unit for six years, and recently has been promoted to OB Nurse Manager. Kayla's primary goal is to support mothers during their feeding journey in any way they need. She provides both inpatient and outpaitent consultations to new mothers to help them with their breastfeeding needs.
Brenna Anenma is a registered nurse and a certified lactation consultant with a board certification from the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBCLC). She has been working for 7 years at the Orange City Area Health System in the mother and baby postpartum unit. Brenna's primary goal is to support mothers during their feeding journey in any way they need. She offers both inpatient and outpatient lactation consultations to new mothers.
Lauren Moerman is a registered nurse and a certified lactation consultant. She holds a board certification from the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBCLC) and has been working at the Orange City Area Health System for 14 years. Lauren's primary objective is to offer support to mothers during their feeding journey in any way they need. She provides inpatient lactation consultations to new mothers to help them with their breastfeeding needs.
Michelle Plendl is a registered nurse and a certified lactation consultant, holding a board certification from the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBCLC). She has been working at the Orange City Area Health System for 24 years. Michelle's main goal is to support mothers during their feeding journey in any way they need. She offers both inpatient and home lactation consultations to new mothers to help them with their breastfeeding needs.