Lactation Support Options

During the COVID-19 pandemic, lactation is available in two formats­—a free group support or one-on-one outpatient care.

FREE Mom & Baby Connection support follows virtual format

The Mom & Baby Connection support group is provided in safe, virtual format. New moms can join Ridgeview’s Lactation Specialist Megan Wiyninger on Thursday mornings from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., from their smartphone, computer or other device.

Following the same format as in-person classes, attendees can ask questions about breastfeeding and make valuable connections with other moms.

To get started, email MBC@ridgeviewmedical.org to receive instruction on how to get set up for our virtual meetings. Questions? Call Ridgeview’s Birthing Center at 952-777-4646 or Carver County Public Health at 952-361-1329.

One-on-one outpatient lactation services

Women who deliver at Ridgeview have the opportunity to meet with a lactation consultant during their hospital stay, but sometimes additional one-on-one support is needed following the return home. Ridgeview offers personal outpatient lactation visits by appointment on Fridays in the Ridgeview Professional Building on the Waconia campus.

After a phone consultation, an in-person lactation assessment may be recommended. Moms will be asked to bring their babies hungry for a lactation assessment. The baby’s weight will be taken upon arrival and retaken at the end of the appointment to help determine if they are feeding sufficiently. During the appointment, moms will be supported with education on feeding techniques, using a breast pump, or uncovering why mom may be experiencing pain during breastfeeding. Moms will also be offered a tailored plan to overcome any feeding difficulties, and provided follow-up as needed.

For an appointment, call 952-777-4658.

When you’re in labor

Call 952-777-4646 to speak to a nurse at Ridgeview’s Birthing Center to let us know that you’re on your way. Please enter the hospital from the front entrance between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. If you’re arriving between 6:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m., we ask that you park in the Emergency Department (ED) parking lot and enter through the ED entrance.

Ridgeview’s Birthing Center is located on the 3rd Floor of the hospital on the Waconia campus. 

Follow this link for direct access to information about driving directions, parking and more.

Portrait of Sarah Cowell and baby

What it’s like having a baby during the pandemic

“I wasn’t terribly worried about COVID-19 until Governor Waltz issued the stay-at-home order at the end of March,” said Sarah Cowell from Arlington, Minn., who was nearly eight months pregnant with her fourth child at the time. “I quickly became concerned and had a long list of questions for my provider.”

Read Sarah's story