AnneMarie's journey: Overcoming breastfeeding challenges with Essentia Health’s support

January 31, 2025  By: Anthony Matt

AnneMarie Family/Lactation Consultants

Essentia Health-Virginia is proud to add three International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants. With these additions, we now have five staff members dedicated to helping moms breastfeed. They serve as members of the maternal-child health team at our Baby Friendly-designated hospital.

At 29 years old, AnneMarie Ehlers and her husband, Joey, are building their dream life with two young children on their small homestead in Aurora. Both 2-year-old Brook and 3-month-old Wren were born at Essentia Health-Virginia in the same hospital room.

For AnneMarie, breastfeeding both of her children was important to her. During her pregnancy with Brook, AnneMarie sought the help of Essentia’s certified lactation consultants – a special group of caregivers who help moms get used to breastfeeding and work through any challenges.

“It was extremely important for me to learn how to do this,” said AnneMarie. “Breast milk is so important to a baby’s health.”

Unfortunately, with the challenges that come with being a new mom, as well as a tough birth, AnneMarie said Brook’s latching issues and her own breast pain were too much.

“After about three weeks of trying everything, we switched to pumping and bottle feeding,” she explained.

When it came time for Wren to enter the world in late 2024, AnneMarie was determined to see it through. She immediately scheduled more consultations with Essentia’s lactation consultants and explained the obstacles she faced with Brook.

“They helped me come up with a plan based on my struggles with Brook to be more successful with Wren,” said AnneMarie. “The in-person consultation is so helpful, and they can show you hands-on what to do. They answered all my questions. They immediately put things into action, helping me achieve my goals and wishes.”

This time around, while still facing challenges, AnneMarie was able to successfully breastfeed Wren without complication.

“The bond – it’s so strong when they are feeding well,” said AnneMarie. “It makes for a smoother, more natural relationship. Feeding experiences are just more enjoyable and more comfortable. She can wake up hungry in the middle of the night and I can breastfeed her and comfort her immediately without having to make a bottle.” 

With so much success the second time, AnneMarie would recommend breastfeeding to any moms who are able to do so, and to not be afraid to ask for help.

“Don’t give up,” she said. “Even with Wren, it was tough, and I was wondering if I was going to have to switch to pumping. But I just held in a little longer and it quickly got better.”

Essentia offers several breastfeeding-education options to help teach moms and their partners about ways to avoid common problems, breastfeeding supplies and best practices for successful breastfeeding.

Our lactation consultants complete 90-plus hours of lactation-specific education and gain a minimum of 1,000 hours of lactation-specific clinical practice prior to taking an international exam to earn their certification. They also go through periodic re-examination and continuing education to maintain their certification.

“Helping our local mothers and babies in their journey to successful breastfeeding is our passion,” said Leah Line, a lactation consultant at Essentia Health-Virginia. “It is invaluable to many mothers to have breastfeeding support; to have it locally available is quite practical. We are excited to be able to offer this specialized service to our Iron Range community.”

To learn more, visit our breastfeeding support website.

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