Front, from left: Erin and Emmalyn Dayvolt; Noah, Serina and Emily Wetzel; and Camryn and Renea Coberly. Back: ALMH volunteer Brenda Westphal; Samantha and Harrison Danosky; Heidi and Elizabeth Morrill; and Connie, Hailey and Joy Wertz.

Breastfeeding support group celebrates Halloween [November 02, 2013]  Participants in the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital breastfeeding support group celebrated Halloween at their meeting Wednesday, Oct. 30.

The benefits of breastfeeding extend well beyond basic nutrition. Not only do babies receive all the vitamins and nutrients they need for the first six months of life; breast milk is also packed with disease-fighting substances that protect babies from illness.

However, even though breastfeeding may be "natural," that doesn't mean it comes so naturally. The group provides mother-to-mother encouragement to breastfeeding moms. The mothers and babies meet from noon to 1:30 p.m. each Wednesday in Steinfort B at ALMH.

The meetings are led by Renea Coberly, certified lactation consultant and R.N., who works in obstetrics at ALMH. At each meeting, the babies are weighed and participants can ask questions and discuss their current issues. There is no registration required and walk-ins are welcome.

For more information about the group, individuals can call 217-732-2161, ext. 55231.

ALMH's Family Maternity Suites is a state-of-the-art obstetrical center that features three spacious and private labor, delivery, recovery, postpartum rooms with private restrooms and showers. Each mom and baby receives individualized care. To learn more about the Family Maternity Suites or the other health care services offered at ALMH, visit www.almh.org.