“Together We Do Great Things” is the theme for National Breastfeeding Month in August this year, which provides an opportunity to focus on resources and opportunities offered by Gothenburg Health for expecting and new mothers.

Gothenburg Health now has two Certified Lactation Counselors (CLC) who support families before, during and after delivery. Together, Dani Gilligan and Sarah Dea now provide clinical breastfeeding counseling and management support to families who are interested in, have questions about or are experiencing problems during breastfeeding and lactation.

Additionally, they work together with Dr. Anna Dalrymple and Dr. Kayla Knauss to provide a free birthing classes throughout the year. The next class is scheduled for Saturday, August 13 from 8 to 10:30 a.m. In addition to teaching essential tools for the birthing experience and discussing what to expect after families arrive home with their new little one, Gilligan and Dea offer information and support about breastfeeding and lactation.

Dea said she has always had an interest in lactation, and postpartum care has always been a passion for her. She joined Gothenburg Health in January 2021 working with the Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist who visit monthly in the specialty clinic. When she saw the need for someone to assist Gilligan who has been a CLC since 2019, she completed 52 hours of training and passed the exam to receive her certification in May.

“I love teaching and educating patients. I like to have that one-on-one time in order to give more personalize care,” Dea said.

Originally from Omaha, Dea graduated from Creighton University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2010. Previously she worked for eight years in postpartum care at Bryan Health in Lincoln and had two years of experience in pediatrics at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. Dea now resides in Gothenburg with her husband Noah and their three children.

Together Drs. Dalrymple and Knauss with the help of Gilligan and Dea, they are doing great things for moms, babies and families at Gothenburg Health. For more information, call the clinic at 308-537-4066. To sign up for the birthing class, contact Annie Cornwell at 308-537-4048.