Support Groups

Breastfeeding Support Group

At Sleepy Eye Medical Center, we encourage breastfeeding but respect your choice when it comes to feeding your baby.

To provide ongoing support for breastfeeding moms in the weeks and months following birth, Sleepy Eye Medical Center offers a Breastfeeding Support Group. Pregnant moms are also welcome and encouraged to attend. The group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Lower Level Lounge at Sleepy Eye Medical Center.

Some concerns addressed during support group gatherings include milk supply, teething, breastfeeding and returning to work, pumping and more. Meetings are facilitated by our Certified Lactation Counselor but driven by the conversations initiated by moms.

To learn more about our lactation services, contact our Certified Lactation Counselor, Chiloe Kotte, RN, at 507-794-8478 or ckottke@semedicalcenter.org.

Caregiver Support Group

Sleepy Eye Medical Center offers a Caregiver Support Group for caregivers, family members and advocates the third Wednesday of the month (beginning November 20, 2019) from 1-2 p.m. at SEMC. The group is open to all ages and welcomes anyone who cares for a loved one with a debilitating health condition, memory loss, dementia or any other physical or mental condition.

Support groups can be a great source of comfort and strength. The mission of SEMC's Caregiver Support Group is to provide a place for caregivers to gather and talk about their struggles and realize they are not alone.

Learn from others going through similar experiences as you.

Caregivers will:

• Discuss solutions to common caregiving issues with other caregivers
• Reduce feelings of isolation and stress
• Learn about area resources
• Learn about topics relative to caregiving
• Build a support system with people who understand

Individuals are welcome to bring a friend or family member for additional support. Refreshments will be provided.

For more information, please contact Lanna Raatz, RN, SEMC Discharge Planner/Swingbed Coordinator, 507-794-8455 or laraatz@semedicalcenter.org; or Sharon Fromm, SEMC Licensed Social Worker, 507-794-8497 or sfromm@semedicalcenter.org.

Toddler Group

Sleepy Eye Medical Center offers a Toddler Group to provide ongoing support for parents and their growing toddlers. This free group is for 1 to 3-year-olds and their parent(s) and meets from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month, beginning on March 20, 2018, in the Lower Level of SEMC.

Come play and explore with your toddler, share and hear experiences from other parents, and learn about your toddler's health, growth and development.

Toddler Group is facilitated by Katie Bloedow, RN, but driven by the interests of toddlers and conversations of parents. Registration is not required. For event updates, check the SEMC Facebook page as well as our "Toddler Group" Facebook event postings.

To learn more about Toddler Group, contact Katie Bloedow, RN, kbloedow@semedicalcenter.org or Chiloe Kottke, RN, ckottke@semedicalcenter.org.