Breastfeeding Support in McLeod County: Glencoe Regional Health

Breastfeeding Classes

We recommend that mothers-to-be and their partners or labor coaches take our breastfeeding class during the first or second trimester of pregnancy. The breastfeeding class focuses on the advantages of breastfeeding, nutrition, positioning, feeding cues, and breast pumps. This class is taught by a registered nurse who is also a certified lactation counselor.

All classes are scheduled on Monday evenings from 6-8 p.m. Please use the Glencoe Hospital entrance when you arrive.

This class is FREE, but we do ask you to register. Registrations close at noon on the Friday before the class.

Register online for an upcoming class:

October 19, 2026

To register offline for the breastfeeding class, call 320-864-7824.

Breastfeeding Support Service Area

Check in at the hospital entrance.

Our primary service area is McLeod County, Minnesota including:

Biscay

Brownton

Glencoe

Hutchinson

Lester Prairie

Plato

Silver Lake

Stewart

Winsted

We also service parts of Sibley County, including:

Arlington

Gaylord

Green Isle

New Auburn

Winthrop

And the western part of Carver County, including:

Hamburg

Norwood Young America

And part of Renville County, including:

Buffalo Lake

Breastfeeding Consultations

Getting started with breastfeeding and finding a comfortable routine takes time and patience. If you’re struggling with breastfeeding, our midwife services department may be able to help. They offer breastfeeding consultations to help moms become successful with breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding consultations include an assessment of your baby’s latch and addresses common issues moms may face, such as low supply, engorgement, over supply, nursing multiples, sore nipples, blocked milk ducts, thrush, tongue tie and more. They also include expert advice on how to make your breastfeeding experience enjoyable.

To schedule an appointment for a breastfeeding consultation, call 320-864-7816. No referral is necessary.

McLeod County Public Health also offers free, personalized breastfeeding and lactation support to McLeod County residents before and after their baby’s birth. Whether you are experiencing challenges or simply want additional support, Public Health can help you meet your feeding goals.

Staff are Certified Lactation Specialists and Counselors who can meet one-on-one in the privacy of your own home or at the McLeod County Health & Human Services offices, located at 520 Chandler Ave. N. in Glencoe.

To learn more, call McLeod County Public Health at 320-864-3144 or request a free visit online at Family Health Services.

Common Questions

What should you do if you have blocked milk ducts?

Women may experience a variety of challenges when breastfeeding, but one of the most common is a blocked milk duct. Blocked milk ducts are painful and make breastfeeding more difficult. Once you have a blocked duct, your chances of getting another increase if you aren’t careful. A blocked duct can also lead to mastitis, a bacterial infection in your breast.

You should seek medical attention if you have a tender or painful area of swelling in your breast, or if you have a fever and an area of localized redness with warmth in your breast. Your health care provider can prescribe medication in the event of mastitis and provide information on techniques that can be used to unblock the duct. Common remedies for treating a blocked milk duct may include:
Applying heat before breastfeeding
Frequent feedings
Feeding your baby from the affected side first
Gentle massage toward the nipple
Positioning your baby with mouth toward the affected area
Pumping milk after breastfeeding
Applying cold packs after breastfeeding
Avoiding restrictive clothing
Consulting with a lactation consultant
If these strategies are not effective in clearing the blocked duct, or if you experience recurrent mastitis or blocked milk ducts, your health care provider may refer you to physical therapy. Our physical therapists offer specialized treatment for block milked ducts.

Is breastfeeding support available after I leave the hospital?

We’re committed to supporting you throughout your breastfeeding journey, not just during your hospital stay. Our pregnancy care providers can offer assistance through outpatient visits, where you can receive continued guidance and help with any breastfeeding challenges that arise at home. Whether you need support with latching, managing milk supply, or simply have questions as you adjust to feeding your baby, our team is here to provide compassionate, personalized care.

Who provides the breastfeeding support at Glencoe Regional Health?

You will see your pregnancy care provider regularly before and after you give birth, so naturally they will become a great resource for all of your questions. Also, we have certified lactation consultants and specially trained nurses. These experts are available to assist you with a wide range of breastfeeding needs, from getting started with latching and positioning to addressing common challenges like milk supply concerns or discomfort.

Do you offer virtual breastfeeding consultations?

We offer a free app that provides education on prenatal care, labor and birth, postpartum care, breastfeeding, and newborn care. With this online course, you can learn at your own pace, when it’s convenient for you and your partner!

What if I choose to formula-feed or combine feeding methods?

Choosing how to feed your baby is a deeply personal decision, and at Glencoe Regional Health, we are here to support you no matter what you decide. Whether you choose to formula-feed, breastfeed, or combine both methods, our care team respects your choice and is dedicated to helping you feel confident and comfortable. We can offer guidance on safe formula preparation, feeding techniques, and ways to ensure your baby is getting the nutrition they need.