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Nice to meet you!  We're glad you're here!

Jenna Erickson, CNM, IBCLC

I grew up in Redwood Falls and attended college at he University of Nebraska Lincoln, graduating with a nursing degree in 2009.  After

college, I returned to the area and now live with my husband, Joel

and our two boys, Cohen and Alec on a farm near Balaton, MN.   

In my spare time I enjoy gardening, DIY home projects, yoga, going for walks, and reading.

 

I worked as an RN in the hospital for 12 years where I learned a lot about caring for families during labor, birth and postpartum. It's also what helped me realize that parents need more support! ​However, having my own kids

is what really started my passion for this work. 

 

I pursured further training in postpartum care and lactation and was able to get certified as an IBCLC in 2019.  An IBCLC is an expert in lactation, breast care, and infant feeding and since we are hard to find in many rural areas, it was important to me to bring this high quality of lactation care to

Southwest Minnesota. I have furthered my lactation knowledge by taking additional training in oral function including supporting families through oral restrictions (tongue and lip ties), infant reflexes, and other holistic modalities. My goal is always to help families get to the root of their issues and figure out what will work best for them. 

Erickson family

 

I served as a birth doula for several years. As a doula, I saw my role as being an advocate and resource for the mother and her partner. Your birth is something you'll remember for the rest of your life and my goal is that you can remember it as an empowered and supported experience. I've since transitioned away from doula work but will always remember the amazing families I was privileged to support! 

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Through doing all this and being so nourished by supporting women and their families, I was called to return to school to become a midwife. I completed my nurse-midwifery education through the University of Cincinnati in the spring of 2023 and am just embarking on this new journey! I continue to be involved at with SWMN Lactation and The Nurturey as a lactation consultant and educator. 

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My passion is for supporting families through pregnancy and the early days of parenthood is a way that is all about meeting your goals and figuring out what works best for you.  â€‹I know that I will learn just as much from the families I am privileged to work with as they will learn from me.  I truly believe that if more women enter motherhood supported and empowered to tune in to themselves and their babies, we will have happier, healthier families and a happier, healthier world.

Trainings and Certifications

As a birth worker and lactation professional, I never stop learning.

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Here are some of the ways I continue to educate myself to better serve our community:

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Every year, I take numerous other small trainings to stay up-to-date.

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While birth, breastfeeding and postpartum have been happening for millions of years, we're always learning new ways to best support families and I very much believe in providing evidence-based care. 

Jess Dressen, LPN, IBCLC
Dressen Family Pic.jpg

I was born and raised in Minnesota. I grew up outside of Saint Cloud and moved to Southwest MN (Canby) with my husband in 2017. 

 

I am a mama to Clara (8) and Harlan (2). One of my favorite roles is being a mom.  Motherhood is what created my passion for childbirth and breastfeeding. It was through this journey that I recognized the extreme need for support not only in pregnancy but in labor, postpartum and breastfeeding. Parenthood is a great transformation in one's life and the support needed to go through the change just isn't there.

 

I graduated in 2017 with my LPN from Saint Cloud Technical College. Since then, I have pursued my Lactation Counseling certification through Healthy Children's Project and doula training through DONA. I have also completed a Spinning Babies workshop. I love to learn about anything in the birth world and my knowledge is always increasing and growing. 

I co-founded the Lactation Lounge breastfeeding support group in Marshall, MN and interned with Jenna  to earn my contact hours to attain my IBCLC which I qualified for in 2022. I have since joined Jenna is providing lactation services and teaching classes at SWMN Lactation and The Nurturey. 

 

In my free time I enjoy working out, going for walks, being at the lake, learning new things, reading and spending time with friends and family.

 

I feel that it is so important to be supported through your journey of becoming a parent and be educated so you are able to make the best decisions for yourself and your baby. I want to help educate and empower pregnant, birthing and postpartum parents so they are prepared and have the best experience possible.

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