All families deserve support on their feeding journey. Our staff and community partners provide education, encouragement, and connections for pregnant and breastfeeding/chestfeeding individuals. Breastfeeding is the best, most nurturing way of feeding your baby – something special you can do for your child. Support is available through the WIC program and local resources for those who are not WIC-eligible.
General Lactation Information:
About Breastfeeding - MN Dept. of Health- General information about lactation from MDH
Making the decision to breastfeed- Benefits of providing human milk, US Dept of Health and Human Services
Preparing to breastfeed- Getting Ready to Breastfeed, US Dept of Health and Human Services
Getting Back to Work and Breast/Chestfeeding:
Information about parental leave, returning to work, expressing milk, childcare and more. Back to Work | BreastmilkCounts.com
Minnesota State laws that protect people Sec. 181.939 MN Statutes
Forgot your pump? Guide to hand expression: Hand-Expression-Handout-IYCF-E and an excellent video How to Express Breastmilk - Video - Global Health Media Project
Proper Storage and Handling of Human Milk Breast Milk Storage and Preparation | Breastfeeding | CDC
Community Resources (Non-WIC)
St Louis County Public Health Nurses including Certified lactation educators and consultants- Evidence Based Home Visiting Programs - https://www.stlouiscountymn.gov/departments-a-z/public-health-human-services/public-health/family-home-visiting
Essentia Health - Northland Breastfeeding Resources
Certified lactation consultants available 7 days/week. Services include baby weight checks, latch help, pump rental, and phone consults.
Link: https://www.essentiahealth.org/services/obstetrics/breastfeeding-support/northland-breastfeeding-resources
Essentia Health - The Lactation Club (TLC)
A free, parent-to-parent support group with lactation staff present. Meets at the Essentia Lakewalk Clinic, 1502 London Rd, Duluth.
Link: https://www.essentiahealth.org/services/obstetrics/breastfeeding-support
St. Luke’s Hospital - Birthing Center Support
After Care Clinic provides latch help, weight checks, and phone consults. Monthly breastfeeding support group available. Location: 915 E. 1st St, Duluth.
Link: https://www.slhduluth.com/services/birthing-center/
Lake Lactation Lounge - Duluth
Free, parent-led monthly meetings and peer support. Local leaders available for questions and encouragement. Facilitators: Lacey Parr 218-340-5136 & Rosalyn Horn 715-864-2921.
Help Me Connect - Lactation Support Directory
Statewide directory of local breastfeeding and chestfeeding resources, including private lactation consultants and peer groups.
Link: https://helpmeconnect.web.health.state.mn.us/HelpMeConnect/Search/PregnantandExpectantFamilies/BasicNeeds/BreastfeedingandLactationSupport?f=Area+Served+by+County%3ASt.+Louis+County
Northeast SHIP - Lactation Support Initiatives
Regional partnerships supporting Baby Cafés, breastfeeding education, and lactation-friendly workplaces.
Link: https://www.northeastship.org/initiatives/lactation-support
Emergency Room visits and hospitalizations related to asthma in St. Louis County are higher than the state average. People who are diagnosed with asthma are more likely to have frequent absences from work and school due to their symptoms.
St. Louis County Public Health offers home visiting for individuals aged 0-18 who have concerns about their asthma control. Indicators that a person’s asthma isn’t as well controlled as it could be are:
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Having frequent nighttime wakening due to asthma symptoms
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Making asthma-related Emergency Room visits
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Using a rescue inhaler 2 or more days per week
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Having symptoms that make it hard to exercise, play, go to school, or work
Public Health Nurses with special asthma training can come to your home to:
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Check your home for asthma triggers
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Teach you how to care for your child’s asthma
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Help you get an Asthma Action Plan and/or explain how to use it
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Help you understand what your child’s medications are for and when to use them
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Check how your child uses an inhaler and/or nebulizer and show ways to make it work even better
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See if you qualify for supplies to help manage asthma symptoms
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Help you coordinate your child’s asthma care with their health care providers
To learn more about asthma, please visit the Minnesota Department of Health – Asthma Basics page: Asthma Basics - MN Dept. of Health
For more information on managing asthma, check with the Minnesota Department of Health – Managing Your Asthma site: Managing Your Asthma - MN Dept. of Health
If you want more information about the St. Louis County Asthma Home Visiting program, please call Kelly Bruels at 218-725-5212, fill out the online referral form.
Lead exposure can harm a child’s growth, learning, and behavior. Even small amounts of lead are unsafe, especially for children under age six and pregnant people. Our public health staff provide education, resources, and connections to reduce lead exposure and keep families safe.
Services include:
- Information about common lead sources in homes, water, and the environment
- Support for families if a child has an elevated blood lead level
- Guidance for safe renovation and repair in older homes
- Connections to local and state resources
Learn more about lead poisoning prevention:
-St Louis County Lead-Lessons.com
- Lead Program - MDH
- Lead Poisoning Prevention - CDC
Contact: Jenna Davis, PHN, IBCLC 218-725-5266
Birth Defects Monitoring System (BDIS)
The Minnesota Birth Defects Monitoring and Analysis Program (also called the Birth Defects Information System, or BDIS) collects and tracks data on selected birth defects diagnosed within a child’s first year of life. Each year, the program gathers information from hospital and clinic records to monitor trends, support research, and help families affected by birth defects.
Program Features & Conditions Monitored:
- BDIS actively reviews over 60 different congenital conditions from hospital and clinic charts.
- Includes 45 birth defects in Minnesota diagnosed in infants under 1 year.
- Covers a wide range of systems (e.g., heart, neural tube, limbs, cleft lip/palate).
- Authorized by Minnesota statute (MS 144.2215).
- Uses active surveillance from hospitals, NICUs, and clinics.
- Data linked with birth certificate records for demographics.
- Diagnoses captured up to one year after birth.
- Program began in 2005 with coverage in certain counties.
Services / Uses for Families & Public Health:
- Connection to early intervention services and resources for families and providers. --------- - Connection with a St Louis County Public Health Nurse
- Offers fact sheets for over 40 birth defects with descriptions and resources.
- Sends informational letters to families with identified cases.
- Families can contact the MCYSHN Information & Assistance Line for support.
Learn More & Links:
• MDH Birth Defects Monitoring and Analysis / BDIS: https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/childrenyouth/birthdefects/index.html
• MDH Birth Defects Information System (BDIS): https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/childrenyouth/birthdefects/bdis.html
• Minnesota statute authorizing BDIS (MS 144.2215): https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=144.2215
Heritable Conditions
Heritable conditions are genetic disorders or conditions that can be passed from parents to children. The Minnesota Department of Health and St Louis County Public Health provides information, resources, and support for families navigating these conditions.
Services include:
- Connection with a St Louis County Public Health Nurse
- Connection to early intervention services and resources for families and providers
Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV)
Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is the most common infectious cause of birth defects in the United States. Minnesota promotes awareness, testing, and support for families impacted by cCMV. Educational materials and family resources are available through the Minnesota Department of Health and St Louis County Public Health.
Services include:
- Connection with a St Louis County Public Health Nurse
- Connection to early intervention services and resources for families and providers
Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (EHDI)
Description Text:
The EHDI program works to make sure babies who are deaf or hard of hearing are identified early, so families can get services and support as soon as possible. Early detection and follow‑up are critical to language, social, and cognitive development.
Services include:
- Connection with a St Louis County Public Health Nurse
- Connection to early intervention services and resources for families and providers
Learn more about EHDI in Minnesota:
- MN Dept. of Health – Early Hearing Detection & Intervention: https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/childrenyouth/improveehdi/index.html
- MN Low Incidence Projects – EHDI Resources: https://www.mnlowincidenceprojects.org/Projects/ehdi/ehdiResources.html
Contact: Jenna Davis, PHN, IBCLC 218-725-5266