Breastfeeding Resources

Carle Lactation Consultants are here to help you meet your infant feeding goals. Whether you are exclusively feeding, or pumping milk for your baby, we are here for you every step of your journey. 

Scientific studies have shown breastfed children have far fewer and less serious illnesses than those who never receive breast milk, including reduced risk of SIDS, childhood cancers and diabetes. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusively breastfeeding for about the first six months of a baby’s life, followed by breastfeeding in combination with the introduction of complementary foods until at least 2 years of age and continuation of breast milk feeding for as long as mutually desired by mother and baby.

What We Treat


Carle Health offers Community Breastfeeding Clinics in Champaign-Urbana and Peoria, where International Board Certified Lactation Consultants are available to talk through questions and help you meet your infant feeding goals. Our team of experts can assist you with understanding breastfeeding and solving any lactation issues you may be having. Services include, but are not limited to: 

  • Assisting with correct positioning and latching
  • Assessment of oral function
  • Developing a feeding plan
  • Methods for supplementation that support parent’s goals
  • Assessing milk supply
  • Preparing to return to work
  • Understanding the effects of medications/illnesses on lactation
  • Guidance with suspected engorgement, infection or blocked milk ducts
  • Understanding breast milk storage guidelines
  • Bottle refusal 
  • Feeding babies with reflux or spitting up
  • Knowing what to do when your baby is fussy during feeding
  • Assessing baby’s intake at the breast through weighed feeding


Carle Foundation Hospital:

Help is available Monday - Friday at our Champaign on Curtis, and Urbana on Windsor locations. Simply call (217) 326-2610, leave a message on our voicemail and the Lactation Consultant will return your call as soon as possible. Please know, if calling after 4:00 p.m. your call may not be returned until the following business day. Appointments are open to the community regardless of where you receive care.

Carle Health Methodist Hospital:

Free outpatient lactation consultations are avaialble at Carle Health Methodist Hospital (CHMH) on 5 Hamilton. To schedule an appointment or to speak with an IBCLC, call (309)672-4242 and leave a message. Please know, if calling after 4 p.m. your call may not be returned until the following business day. Priority is given to patients who gave birth at CHMH, but appointments are open to the community regardless of where you recieve care. 

Additional Resources

Join the Carle Breastfeeding Support Group on Facebook for additional resources from our lactation consultants. This group is open to all moms regardless of where you receive care. 

Peoria area moms are welcome to join our in-person support group, Drop In and Connect. This group meets most Mondays, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. at Young Minds Center located at 2223 W. Heading Ave., West Peoria, and is facilitiated by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and offers moms lactation support, community connection, and realtime breastfeeding advice and help. 

Prevention & Screenings