Pregnancy and the newborn phase are tough.
From seasoned pros to first-time moms, each baby brings their own challenges and with them, so many rewards. One of the ways that we celebrate the many milestones that new parents achieve is by recognizing National Breastfeeding Month in August. This is a great opportunity to raise awareness and learn the benefits of breastfeeding for both mom and baby, and how having a support system around the mother can truly make an impact.
Although it would seem that feeding a baby would come naturally, breastfeeding is a skill learned through practice and new mothers often require help in being successful. Once they are, there are numerous health benefits to feeding a baby, especially in those first six months, through lactation.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breastfeeding brings benefits to both the infant and mother.
The baby receives the best mix of nutrients through breast milk, and it can be a source of protection for the new baby against illness. Babies who are breastfed have a lower risk of asthma, diabetes, respiratory disease, gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, ear infections, obesity and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Breastmilk can change as babies grow, providing different nutrients and antibodies to fit their needs. Not only is the baby protected through breastfeeding, but mom can be as well. Mothers who breastfeed are at a lower risk for certain cancers, diabetes and high blood pressure.
Though breastfeeding and lactation have their challenges, there are several resources available that can help mothers reach their lactation goals.
Start with a plan
Prior to delivery, mothers can do their homework around breastfeeding. Through books, online videos, articles and classes from their local hospital or OBGYN, the resources available to have a solid baseline of understanding are plentiful. Mothers can also connect with a lactation consultant to answer any questions and walk through techniques before and after delivery. They can include their desire to breastfeed in their birth plan prior to welcoming their baby to the world, allowing their medical team to be prepared with resources to provide support.
Look to the experts
One piece of advice to all moms: don’t be afraid to ask for help. The March of Dimes notes that there are several medical professionals within a mother’s care team who are dedicated to helping her be successful in her breastfeeding journey. Lactation consultants or certified lactation professionals have been specially trained in lactation, and this knowledge can help through getting started or in special cases, like with pre-term babies or those with special needs.
Other professionals, such as those you may find at your local Women Infant and Children (WIC) location, can also provide lactation support and tips and tricks for establishing a good supply of milk, positioning, expressing and storing milk properly. There are also online and in-person breastfeeding support groups available, providing the opportunity to learn from other mothers and share experiences.
One of the biggest supports available to moms, for not only breastfeeding but for everything surrounding pregnancy and delivery, is doulas. The MHS Doula and Me program provides these professionals to its members to support and guide them through pregnancy and delivery. This program has seen success with mothers who participate, including lower NICU rates, higher gestational age and successful initiation of breastfeeding, at 96% success.
Breastfeeding requires practice, patience and perseverance. You and your baby are both learning to feed, so having a plan and embracing your support systems can be key to unlocking this rewarding practice for the overall health of both moms and babies.
Christina Hage currently leads health plan operations as Plan President and CEO at MHS, with two decades of experience in state and federal government and the private sector with a focus on public policy, communications and government affairs.
