Breastfeeding
by Linda Lee Stoiber, RN, BSN, IBCLC
Fall 2011
Breastmilk: SIMPLY...the best!
Time to revisit the “why breastfeed” question. Breastfeeding is win-win. It helps both mothers and babies stay healthy. It's so good that the U.S. Surgeon General recommends that babies be fed only breast milk for the first six months of their lives.
Advantages of breastfeeding:
- always the right temperature... does not need to be heated
- it can help space pregnancies cutting down on over-population (not 100 percent reliable
contraception especially when other foods are given to baby)
- breastfed babies are less likely to get diarrhea or respiratory illness
-breastmilk is more likely to help a baby achieve normal weight for age
Some possible dangers that bottlefeeding may create:
- Infection may be given to baby from unclean bottles as well as from germs in the water which
is mixed with powdered formula.
- Many mothers cannot read so they may not follow instructions correctly on quantity of powder
to use to prepare formula milk.
- In addition to not being able to read, poverty may influence a mother to use less formula
(powder) in order to save money. This would cut down on the nutritional value of the formula.
- Cost may be a large deterrent to bottlefeeding. Breastfeeding is free.
- Once formula is mixed, there may not be adequate refrigeration to store it properly.
Benefits:
- Breastfeeding helps your body recover from pregnancy and labor – shrinking your uterus
back to size and reducing any bleeding after childbirth.
- It burns about 500 calories a day, so you lose the weight you gained more easily.
- It lowers the risk of ovarian cancer and some forms of breast cancer.
- It strengthens bones, protecting you against osteoporosis later.
- It may help ward off depression.
- It saves time and money. Unlike formula, breast milk is always the right temperature, and
requires no bottles to wash and sterilize.
Any amount of breastfeeding is good for your baby – the longer, the better. Some mothers breastfeed for 12 to 18 months, others less. Experts recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 4 to 6 months. At that time solids may be introduced although breastfeeding should be the main source of nutrition.
Contact Linda Stoiber RN, BSN, Lactation Consultant with questions at newbaby@ummc.org or (585) 344-8104.
Spring 2011
When it comes to breastfeeding, Dads are indispensable...Dads do make a difference!
There can be no measure of the value of breastfeeding for the mother and baby. The support of the father is irreplaceable and very important to the success of the breastfeeding dyad. Fathers want to be involved and be part of the parenthood process, including infant feeding. There is strong evidence that fathers can influence the initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding. Emotional, practical and physical supports are identified as important factors to promote successful breastfeeding. Benefits of this support to the newborn include improved weight gain in preterm infants, increased breastfeeding rates, higher receptive language skills, and higher academic achievement in their child.
Veronika Robinson, author of “The Drinks Are On Me” writes, Breastfeeding is a sacred art. It opens our soul and brings us to a place which connects generations past with future generations. Fathers need to be better prepared to assume their new role as breastfeeding supporters.
How can fathers help mothers with breastfeeding?
Assisting with expressing breast milk and identifying how useful it was that her partner was able to remember the attachment and positioning skills for breastfeeding that were learned in the hospital. Fathers also influence the breastfeeding decision, assisting with the first feeding, duration of breastfeeding, and remembering the risk factors for bottlefeeding.
Why are fathers so important to the breastfeeding process?
When fathers are not able to be supportive, breastfeeding rates are lower. Fathers play an instrumental role in whether mothers continue breastfeeding or stop prematurely. Fathers who are present when the lactation consultant is around might remind mom later of the things she might have forgotten. They actually observe and try to make suggestions about positioning and attachment, which is good for both practical and moral support.
How do mothers feel about the assistance from their partners?
There is an increased sense of confidence knowing her partner trusted her to do the best for their baby. The role of practical and emotional support from fathers is an essential ingredient to successful breastfeeding, increasing the mother's confidence and enabling her to maintain an adequate milk supply.
The ability to breastfeed and continue the practice of successful nursing requires dedication, commitment, persistence and support.
Understanding that breastfeeding is a team effort often provides the validation new mothers and fathers need to have success with breastfeeding.
Contact Linda Stoiber RN, BSN, Lactation Consultant with questions at newbaby@ummc.org or (585) 344-8104.