Nonprofit opens first brick-and-mortar lactation clinic in Zeeland after $120,000 investment
A West Michigan nonprofit is taking a major step forward in bridging the healthcare gap for new parents by opening its first brick-and-mortar clinic in Ottawa County.
ZEELAND — A West Michigan nonprofit is taking a major step forward in bridging the healthcare gap for new parents by opening its first brick-and-mortar clinic in Ottawa County.
The Lactation Collective — formerly known as the Breastfeeding Advocates of Ottawa County — announced the launch of its new facility at City on a Hill, located at 100 Pine St., Ste. 290, in Zeeland. The expansion is backed by a substantial $120,000, two-year community investment aimed at providing equitable, professional lactation care to under-resourced families across the region.
The new suite features a dedicated consultation office and clinical care space, alongside access to multiple conference rooms designed to host both in-person and virtual programming.
"Our new location means that families in our communities will have access to professional lactation care when and where they need it most," said Rebecca Antaya, RD, IBCLC, president of the Lactation Collective. "Our goal has always been equitable care — this is a major step toward making that a reality."
Breaking down barriers to care
A primary focus of the expansion is ensuring that financial constraints do not dictate a family's access to maternal healthcare. The $120,000 financial foundation was pulled together by three distinct organizations focused on community health: Women Who Care - Holland, the Community Foundation of Holland/Zeeland, and global breastfeeding advocate Medela AG.
In awarding the funds, representatives from Medela AG praised the nonprofit's approach to local health equity, stating they were inspired by how the organization plans to "reduce access barriers through in‐home visits, tailoring support to families facing structural constraints, and building a model that remains durable beyond short‐term funding cycles."
The two-year funding cycle allows the Lactation Collective to hire credentialed providers and offer a variety of services at no cost to families, regardless of their ability to pay. Concurrently, the organization is working to credential its providers with major medical insurance companies to establish a sustainable, billable care model for the future.
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Upcoming programming, services
The nonprofit has outlined several community programs slated to roll out over the coming weeks:
- In-home lactation services: Free personalized care prioritizing uninsured and under-resourced families.
- Weekly support groups: Hosted every Monday morning from 10-11:30 a.m.
- Clinic visits: In-person appointments at the new Zeeland facility will begin on Wednesday, Aug. 5.
- Prenatal lactation classes: A monthly educational series launching Wednesday, Aug. 26, running from 6-8 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of every month.
To celebrate the milestone, the Lactation Collective is hosting a public open house on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 4:30-6 p.m. at its new City on a Hill office. While registration via the organization's website is welcomed, it is not required for attendance.
— Submitted by the Lactation Collective. To submit a news tip, email newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.
