HOLLAND, Mich., Aug. 11, 2026 — For new mom Amanda Brown, breastfeeding brought both joy and unexpected challenges after the birth of her daughter, Lois, on April 17. What helped her navigate those early weeks was expert guidance and a community of mothers who understood what she was going through.
Brown found one-on-one support through Holland Hospital's Breastfeeding Connections, a free weekly support group led by board-certified lactation consultants that helps new parents build confidence, find answers and connect with others on a similar journey.
“I gave birth on a Friday and already knew I'd be back the following Tuesday,” Brown reflected. “It was the best thing I could do. I saw a familiar face, and they gave me so much support.”
Like many first-time mothers, Brown quickly learned that breastfeeding was not always easy. “It's the most unnatural, natural thing,” she said.
Lois was small at birth, so Brown initially followed a triple-feeding plan, breastfeeding, pumping and supplementing expressed milk every three hours around the clock. With guidance from Holland Hospital's lactation team, within just one week, Lois surpassed her birth weight, which allowed Brown to transition to exclusive breastfeeding.
“I felt very supported through that transition,” Brown shared. “I was able to call for individual lactation support whenever I needed it, and I attended the group every Tuesday throughout my maternity leave.”
Sarah Moelker, board-certified lactation consultant at Holland Hospital, said the program is designed to ensure mothers never feel alone as they work toward their feeding goals. “We don't want mothers to be home alone struggling with breastfeeding,” Moelker said. “We're here to help them meet whatever feeding goals they have.”
The support group offers practical guidance on common concerns such as latching difficulties, cluster feeding, milk supply and infant weight gain. Parents can also weigh their babies before and after feedings to monitor milk transfer and growth.
For Brown, the support extended beyond breastfeeding advice. “It was so great connecting with other moms during the group,” she said. “Everyone who helped was wonderful and so supportive. It was also a nice way to get out of the house during those early postpartum weeks.”
Moelker said building community is one of the program's most valuable benefits. “Moms need a cheerleader,” she said. “We can help guide them through challenges, but it's also important for them to connect with other mothers who understand what they're experiencing. It's something they can do for themselves and their baby.”
Over the course of several weeks, Moelker watched Brown's confidence grow. “In the beginning, you could tell she wasn't comfortable yet,” Moelker said. “As the weeks went on, you could see her confidence increasing. That's one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.”
Today, Brown encourages other mothers not to hesitate to seek help. “I know it's daunting to leave the house with your new baby, but do it,” she said. “Go to support group. It's free, it's easy to find and you'll feel so supported. Stick with it because it really does get easier. It's absolutely worth it.”
Breastfeeding Connections is held weekly from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays in the Holland Hospital Conference Rooms. No registration is required and drop-ins are welcome. In addition to lactation consultants, retired Boven Birth Center nurses and Holland Hospital parent advocates are available to offer encouragement and practical assistance for new families.
“It's an amazing resource,” Brown said. “They really care about you and how you're doing as a mom. They're right there to help and give you a helping hand whenever you need it.”
To learn more about Holland Hospital classes and support services, visit hollandhospital.org/classes.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT
Jessica Meldrum, MS, APR
jmeldrum@hollandhospital.org
Aug. 11, 2026