Regional One Health offers one of the most robust lactation support programs in the region, with lactation specialists available on days, evenings and weekends to help new moms learn about breastfeeding.
During National Breastfeeding Month, our team is reaching out to let families know that breastmilk provides the perfect nutrition for babies, and that we’re here to offer support, education and resources to help more moms succeed at breastfeeding.
August is National Breastfeeding Month, a time to raise awareness of the value of breastfeeding and to encourage support for breastfeeding moms.
In honor of the theme for 2023 – “This is our Why” – Christy Brooks, RN, BSN, IBCLC, nurse coordinator for lactation at Regional One Health, is answering some of the “Why” questions that many new moms have about breastfeeding.
“Moms usually have questions and concerns, but they want to try breastfeeding!” she said. “We listen and address their concerns so they feel comfortable. We strive to make sure every mom has the education, resources and support they need to be successful if they decide to breastfeed.”
Why is breastfeeding important for mom and baby?
“There are so many benefits,” Brooks said. “Breastmilk has everything your baby needs in terms of nutrition, and it changes with your baby’s changing needs. The longer you breastfeed, the more benefits and protection your baby receives.”
Breastmilk contains antibodies that prevent illness. It’s easier to digest, protects the gut, reduces long-term risk of obesity, and lowers risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Brooks said it’s especially important for pre-term babies in the NICU, who are at a higher risk of intestinal infections and other complications.
For moms, physical benefits include faster weight loss (breastfeeding burns 500 calories a day!) and less postpartum bleeding, since breastfeeding releases a hormone that causes the uterus to contract. In the long-term, it can reduce risk of breast cancer, osteoporosis and diabetes.
Our support for breastfeeding starts while you’re still expecting! We offer a free breastfeeding class that helps prenatal patients learn about nursing and get prepared to give it a try.
“Breastfeeding is also a great opportunity to bond with your baby!” Brooks added.
Why is it important to learn proper technique?
One hurdle to successful breastfeeding is improper positioning and latch, which can lead to aches and pains as well as sore, cracked nipples.
Regional One Health offers a breastfeeding class for expectant moms, and lactation nurses work one-on-one with postpartum patients on proper technique. “We tell patients to remember the ‘three Cs’ – get Calm, get Comfortable, and bring your baby Close,” Brooks said.
Lactation nurses teach patients different breastfeeding positions so they can find what works best for them, and help them get their baby latched on properly. If a mom is having trouble after leaving the hospital, they offer consultations online, by phone and in person.
Why should moms trust their milk supply?
Brooks said another challenge is that many new moms worry their baby isn’t getting enough milk. “At first, you don’t make a lot of milk, because your baby doesn’t need a lot,” she said. “A newborn’s stomach is tiny, so at first they only drink small quantities.”
From there, it’s a matter of supply and demand. The more milk your baby needs, the more they will breastfeed. The more they breastfeed, the more milk your body produces.
Brooks said her team also talks to patients about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, since conditions like obesity and high blood pressure can decrease lactation. Eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water helps protect milk supply as well.
Why is support from loved ones so important?
Our lactation specialists visit new moms while they’re still in the hospital. They provide education, answer questions, and help with proper positioning and latch.
“One of the biggest challenges for moms is getting the support they need,” Brooks said.
Brooks said moms face enough barriers to breastfeeding: having other children or loved ones to care for, returning to work, cultural barriers, etc. If the people around them aren’t supportive or actively discourage breastfeeding, the chance of success plummets.
Her team talks not only to moms, but their loved ones, about the value of breastfeeding. They encourage partners and support people to help by assisting with other newborn needs, doing chores, making sure mom has enough to eat and drink, etc.
Why does Regional One Health make it a priority to support breastfeeding moms?
“Support from the hospital setting is also important,” Brooks said. “At Regional One Health, we do everything we can to support breastfeeding moms. We make sure doctors, nurses, staff, etc. are on the same page and give the mom and baby plenty of opportunities for breastfeeding.”
Certified lactation nurses visit every postpartum patient daily unless there is a contraindication to breastfeeding and are available for additional consultations when requested.
A lactation nurse is onsite every day, including weekends, and they offer nighttime hours, giving Regional One Health one of the most robust breastfeeding support programs in the area.
Regional One Health also helps moms access supplies and resources after leaving the hospital.
They provide take-home resources and a phone number and email for patients to contact if they have questions. They also share external resources, like a 24-hour breastfeeding hotline and information about a variety of breastfeeding support groups in the Mid-South.
“If you choose to breastfeed, we want you to know there are so many resources. Reach out and ask for help – we’re here for you, because we want you to be successful,” Brooks said.