While breastfeeding is natural, it's not always easy. We asked Certified Lactation Counselor Sarah Mitchell for some tips to help make the process easier for mom and baby.
From increased infant immunity to improved maternal health and well-being, the benefits of breastfeeding are many. Still, only 60 percent of U.S. moms in the United States continue to breastfeed past their baby's first six months. There are for many reasons for why moms stop, including the mother's their need to return to work. We reached out spoke to Sarah Mitchell, a certified lactation counselor at The Lactation Connection at Renown, for some expert advice.
Expect Initial Challenges: At first, it's normal to expect obstacles. Even in cultures where close to 100 percent of moms breastfeed, they can experience issues, including getting the baby to "latch on," sore nipples, and milk production. In addition, it sometimes can take several weeks for mom and baby to get comfortable.
Find a Lactation Specialist Early: Line up a coach, even before the baby is born. This can be a professional lactation coach, family member, or friend who is experienced and encouraging. While online videos can be helpful, most new moms need the one-on-one guidance that a coach can provide. Renown offers outstanding resources in its Lactation Connection center, including expert consultants, products, and support.
Build a Support System: Well ahead of the due date, set up a support network of friends, family members, or community groups such as La Leche League. Women historically have relied on extended support systems to help them with raising children, and breastfeeding is one of those areas that, while natural, still needs encouragement from the women who’ve been there.
Supplementation is Sometimes Necessary: Don’t get discouraged if you need to supplement at times with formula. This, too, as it turns out, is not uncommon in other cultures. In other parts of the world, babies are given beverages and foods such as tea, broth, soup, juice, mashed bananas, and papaya. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends supplementation only with approved formula -- but the point is, it’s ok to supplement if you need to.
Maintain Breastfeeding for Bonding: Finally, don’t forget the importance of breastfeeding for connecting with your baby. It’s essential to maintain breastfeeding over the weekends, preferably “on-demand,.” and will keep that special bond strong after you have returned to your job.
Breastfeeding Medicine
Consult our experts for your breastfeeding solutions, such as low milk supply, plugged ducts, latching concerns and more.
Welcoming a new family member into the world can be an exciting time for expectant parents. As many parents can attest, there is no feeling like holding your baby for the first time.
That excitement, however, is often matched with nerves, especially for first time parents who have many questions about what they are about to experience. How do I prepare for birth and postpartum? Can I breastfeed? How do I set my child up for success in their first year? What safety techniques do I need to understand? The list of questions goes on...
...and the Maternal Child Education (MCE) department at Renown Health is here to answer them and set parents up for success with their new bundle of joy
Protect Your Child’s Health with Timely Vaccinations
Why are timely vaccinations important? Childhood vaccinations are scheduled and vaccines are administered when young bodies require immediate protection or need to build immunity for diseases and illnesses we may encounter throughout our lives. Delaying recommended vaccinations puts children at higher risk for diseases that can affect them more harshly, like pertussis (whooping cough), which is especially dangerous for babies.
The Nevada Safe Haven Law provides a safe, legal option for parents in crisis to surrender their newborns, no questions asked and without fear of prosecution for abandonment or neglect. The goal of the law is to protect infants while offering parents a secure, anonymous alternative during a time of emotional distress.
