Ann Marie Neeley Burkhart, IBCLC
Clinical Director, Lactation Consultant, Breastfeeding Educator
Ann Marie has been involved in peer breastfeeding support in Bloomington since 2002 and became a board certified lactation consultant in 2007. Always seeking ways to help more families, Ann Marie was instrumental in opening the BABS Lactation Center in 2010. One of her many passions is helping mothers and babies who are experiencing challenges with tongue-tie. She is also committed to helping working mothers continue breastfeeding.
MaryAnn Martin, IBCLC
Lactation Consultant, Breastfeeding Educator
MaryAnn began providing mother-to-mother breastfeeding support in 2002 in Bloomington and has been a volunteer La Leche League Leader since 2005. She became a board certified lactation consultant in 2010 and joined the lactation center staff in 2011. MaryAnn is committed to ensuring parents have accurate and current breastfeeding information, allowing them to make decisions confidently as their nursing babies grow and develop.
The BABS Lactation Center offers a wide range of breastfeeding services, including: consultations with lactation consultants, breastfeeding education classes, and more. Fees are determined by income. The Lactation Center is open Monday through Friday. Please call 335-MILK(6455) to schedule an appointment.
Breastfeeding Education Classes:
Nurse & Chat Breastfeeding Group
Drop in! Every 2nd Wednesday of the month, anytime between 9:30am and 1:00pm, there is no cost
Have a question about or having a problem with breastfeeding? Feeling awkward about nursing in public due to breastfeeding challenges 9nipple shield, bottle supplementation)? Or, is everything going well, but you would like to meet other nursing mothers? This group is for everyone, whether or not nursing is going well. All mothers-to-be, nursing mothers, babies and older siblings are welcome. This event is free.
Milk Matters – A Prenatal Breastfeeding Class
Mondays – August 6, September 10, October 15, December 17 – 6:00pm – 8:30pm
This breastfeeding class is for anyone who is not taking the BABS 8-week Childbirth Education Class Series. This class covers: how to establish a good milk supply, early feeding cues, latching and positioning to prevent sore nipples, how to know baby is getting enough milk, and when and where to get help if you need it. If you are enrolled in the Weekend Intensive Childbirth Class, the fee for Milk Matters is already included.
Partners are welcome and encouraged to attend. A light snack will be served. Cost is based on a sliding scale determined by income ($10-$40).
Making It Work – A Pumping Class for Nursing Mothers Returning to Work or School
Saturdays – August 25, September 29, November 17 – 1:30pm – 3:30pm
This class is intended for women considering or planning a return to work or school in the first year after baby is born. If you have a 6-week or shorter maternity leave this class is recommended during pregnancy. If you have a longer maternity leave this class is recommended after your baby has arrived. Topics covered will include: strategies for breastfeeding through full and part-time employment or school, making milk (to go), breast pump info, milk storage, feeding expressed milk to babies, maintaining supply, and avoiding common difficulties encountered by employed/student mothers and nursing babies.
Babies, partners or other who will be caring for your baby are welcome and encouraged to attend. A light snack will be served. Cost is based on a sliding scale determined by income ($10-$40).
Nursing Mothers, Bigger Babies – A Class for Mothers Nursing 4- to 10-Month-Old Babies
Sundays – September 9, December 2 – 4:00pm-6:00pm
This class is intended for women who are currently nursing an infant and want research and evidence-based information about the nursing relationship and breastfeeding between the 4th and 10th month of the first year. Breastfeeding related topics covered will include: nursing frequency, normal growth and development patterns, sleep, introduction of solid foods, teething and tooth care, biting, distractible nurslings, nursing strikes, nursing in public, and questions from participants. Cost is based on a sliding scale determined by income ($10-$40).
Nursing Mothers, Busy Toddlers – A Class for Mothers Nursing 10- to 24-Month-Old Babies
Sundays – August 26, October 14 – 4:00pm-6:00pm
This class is intended for women who are currently nursing an infant or toddler and want research and evidence-based information about the nursing relationship and breastfeeding between 10 and 24 months. Breastfeeding related topics covered will include: nursing frequency, normal growth and development patterns, sleep, complementary foods, teething and tooth care, nursing in public, gymnastic nursing, gentle discipline, weaning and questions from participants.
Nursing Mothers, Growing Families –
A Class for Nursing Mothers Contemplating Fertility, Pregnancy,
Weaning and/or Tandem Nursing
Sunday – November 11 – 4:00pm-6:00pm
This class is intended for women who are currently nursing an infant, toddler or older child and want research and evidence-based information on fertility, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Recommended for women considering a future pregnancy, trying to become pregnant, already pregnant, or tandem nursing (nursing both an infant and an older sibling). Topics covered will include: birth control methods compatible with breastfeeding, child spacing, fertility while breastfeeding, nursing during pregnancy, weaning, tandem nursing and questions from participants. Cost is based on a sliding scale determined by income ($10-$40).
