Amazing Newborn Clinic
The Amazing Newborn Clinic is a FREE program held every Tuesday from 10:30am to 12 pm at Owatonna Education Center, 338 E Main St., that offers resources and support to pregnant and postpartum women and their families. The specially trained staff aim to help individuals feel comfortable asking questions about breastfeeding, formula feeding, infant care, and any other concerns they may have.
- The Amazing Newborn Clinic was started in 1999.
- The atmosphere is relaxed which offers families the opportunity to build relationships with other families of newborns and service providers. The nurse can send infant’s weight and any concerns directly to the patient care provider.
- There is a lactation consultant, public health nurse, community health worker, and a parent educator on staff every week.
- Newborn and infant feeding support and education
- Baby weight checks
- Breast care
- Minor assessments of infants
- Answer parenting questions
- Learn to identify baby cues
- Learn about baby behavior
- Open discussions
- Registration for Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) courses
- Connection to community resources and referrals
Visit the official Baby Café website or local Baby Café Facebook for more information.
Breastfeeding Support
Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and nurturing ways to feed your baby. It provides powerful health benefits, strengthens bonding, and offers comfort that only a parent can give.
We have two trained lactation specialists on staff who provide individualized guidance to help you feel confident in your breastfeeding journey. Whether you’re expecting, newly postpartum, or navigating challenges along the way, our team offers practical support, education, and encouragement.
Health Benefits
Research suggests that breastfeeding can lower your baby's risk of certain infections and illnesses such as ear infections, asthma, diarrhea, vomiting, obesity, eczema, type 2 diabetes, SUIDS, or childhood leukemia.Bonding Benefits
By having that consistent skin-to-skin contact while breastfeeding, you are making your baby feel safe, warm, secure and loved while also boosting your levels of oxytocin.Cost Benefits
Breastmilk is free. No extra formula or bottle costs.Convenience
You are able to breastfeed anywhere, and breastmilk is always warm and ready to go. Minnesota Statute 145.905 says a mother may breastfeed in any location, public or private, where the mother and child are otherwise authorized to be. Breastfeeding is not considered indecent exposure (Minnesota Statute 617.23).Nutritional Benefits
Breast milk is rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients as well as other ingredients that help your baby grow healthy and strong.- Breastfeed often so your body knows to make more milk. Your breasts should feel fuller in 2-5 days.
- Breastfeed every 1 ½-3 hours, or 8-12 times in 24 hours, including some feedings at night. Wake your newborn if they sleep longer than 3-5 hours between feedings, even at night.
- You should hear or feel your baby swallowing (It may take several minutes for baby to start).
- Breastfeeding should be comfortable, not hurt. Contact us for help.
- Breastmilk looks thinner and bluer than cow’s milk.
- It is normal for your baby to want to feed more often during certain times of the day.
- Over time your breasts will feel less full. That is just your breasts adjusting to breastfeeding, you have not lost your milk.
Minnesota Statute 181.939 says an employer must provide break time daily to allow an employee to express breastmilk. The space should be in close proximity to the work area, not a bathroom or toilet stall, shielded from view, free from intrusion and includes access to an electrical outlet. See the statute for important details.
Minnesota Laws Protect Pregnant and Breastfeeding Parents (PDF)
Tips for Talking to Your Employer (PDF)
Conversation tips to help you feel prepared for sharing the news about your pregnancy and pumping needs with your employer.
Diaper Bank Program
Steele County Public Health proudly serves as a distribution site for the local Diaper Bank program in Steele County. Community Pathways, 155 Oakdale St. Owatonna, MN serves as a distribution site as well. In order to receive diapers from the program, you must live in Steele County, your child must be under the age of 3, meet the WIC Income Eligibility Guidelines, and receive a referral letter from an approved agency which may include: Community Pathways, Crisis Resource Center of Steele County, Exchange Club Center for Family Unity, Fernbrook Family Center, Semcac, Spero, Steele County Human Services, Steele County Public Health, The Lighthouse, The Salvation Army, Transitional Housing of Steele County, Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Head Start, or Owatonna Hospital.
Each family may access the Diaper Bank up to 4 times in a 12-month period, per child.
Postpartum Visits
Postpartum Visits are available to all families with a new baby. A registered nurse visits families within the first two weeks of birth. During the visit, the nurse offers teaching and support related to care of the baby, postpartum recovery for mom, and family adjustments.
Safe Sleep
Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), which includes Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), is the leading cause of injury death in infancy.
Follow the ABCs of safe sleep:
- Alone: Your baby should always be alone anytime he or she is put down to sleep.
- Back: Your baby should always be placed on their to sleep. When your baby is laid down to rest on their side or tummy, the risk of suffocation increases.
- Crib: Your babies should sleep in their own cribs (or a safety-approved Pack and Play or bassinet).
Use a fitted crib sheet and a firm sleep surface. No beds, car seats, swings, couches, etc. Your baby can sleep in the same room as you, but not the same bed.
Public Health offers free portable cribs through the Cradle of Hope program, please contact us via phone or email for more information. Qualifications to receive a portable crib include:
- Must be a Minnesota resident
- Must be pregnant in your third trimester or have a baby under 12 months
- Must be in need of a safe place for your baby to sleep
- Cribs are limited to one per child