Infant feeding can bring a mix of emotions that range from anxiety to pain to joy as parents try to meet the needs of their babies. August is National Breastfeeding Month and an important time for Carle Health patients to remember they have certified lactation experts. Carle Health lactation consultants provide professional, unbiased recommendations and guidance to make the most of the unique experience.
“We must be good listeners. It is a learning process for mom and baby,” Keli Sidebottom, RN, Mother-Baby Unit at Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Normal, said.
Beth Seidel, BA, IBCLC, at Carle Health Methodist Hospital in Peoria said the role of lactation consultants also includes providing correct information for mothers who want to nurse their babies.
“Some people think they have to feed their baby 100% breast milk or 100% formula. While there are benefits to exclusive breast milk feeding, that is sometimes not possible,” Seidel said. Her colleague, Rhonda Wudtke, RN, IBCLC, at Carle Health Methodist Hospital said, “We need to praise the parent for whatever amount of human milk they can provide. We support parents as they make the best decisions for their family.”
Sometimes there are challenges to direct breast feeding such as an infant with limited tongue mobility or highly arched palate, which makes feeding challenging. The IBCLC can help parents meet their feeding goals even when they are having difficulty.
Most lactations consultants agree that having enough milk is a common concern for parents.
“The number one fear for women is insufficient milk supply,” Karima Robinson, RN, BSN, IBCLC said. Colostrum, the first milk, is present in small quantities until about 72 hours after delivery when the mature milk begins to come in. It is packed with nutrients and antibodies.
Robinson pointed out babies arrive with tiny stomachs and need just a couple of teaspoons per feeding to be satisfied though they may nurse as many as 20 times a day. The frequent nursing also stimulates milk production in the mother.
“The more baby feeds, the more milk comes,” Sidebottom said. Mothers who are nursing and away from baby should pump on a schedule as if the baby is at the breast.
Robinson said breast milk composition changes over the entire course of breastfeeding to perfectly meet baby’s needs. During the first two weeks of nursing, the milk supply is becoming established.
“The real critical period is the first six months,” Robinson said. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends only breast milk for the first six months of life. Weaning begins when other sources of food are introduced.
Like Robinson, Seidel stresses the importance for parents to recognize when the baby is getting enough and not focus on a certain amount at each feeding. “It is most important to feed your baby when the baby shows signs of hunger. Let the baby lead the way,” Seidel said.
Signs that a baby is getting enough milk include hearing swallows and seeing a good sucking pattern during the feed. The breast should feel softer and the baby should be satisfied at the end of a feed. After the first few days of life, three dirty diapers and six to eight wet diapers each day are also indicators everything is working as it should, she said.
Wudtke said that a baby meeting typical growth milestones is another sign that feeding is going well. Usually, a baby doubles in weight during the first five months of life. Not only does breast milk help babies grow, but it also provides protection against some diseases.
For the mother, Robinson said, “The longer a woman breastfeeds, the greater her protection from breast, ovarian and uterine cancer.”
Learn more about Carle Health breastfeeding assistance and resources at carle.org.
Categories: Community
Tags: Breastfeeding, Carle BroMenn Medical Center, Carle Foundation Hospital, lactation, Methodist, Peoria