Breastfeeding Information
See the new info for breastfeeding support below
Why Breastfeed?
With many formula companies now claiming to be "closest" to mother's milk, it may not seem as important to make the choice to breastfeed, but there are MANY benefits to breastfeeding that formulas CANNOT provide!
Breastfeeding promotes a closer bond between infants and parents (yes, even dad) than formula feeding does. Breastfeeding also provides the infant with VITAL immune factors passed from the mother to the infant. These immune factors give the infant protection from common and sometimes serious infections. NO formula can provide immune factors to the infant. The immune factors in breast milk are also shown to reduce your child's risk of certain childhood cancers.
Breastfeeding is also cost-efficient. The cost of formula feeding is substantial over the first year of life. With many parents opting to stay home for longer than the routine 6-8 weeks, breastfeeding can save your family a great deal of money. No bottles or nipples need to be purchased and washed, thereby also saving a great deal of your time (with a new baby at home, no one needs extra dishes to wash!) Breast milk also comes at the right temperature, so no warming bottles in the middle of the night!
Another important reason to breastfeed is that there is now more evidence that infants who are breastfed are less likely to be obese later in life. With the epidemic of childhood obesity and the health problems that go along with it, breastfeeding may help protect your child from obesity-related illnesses like type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.
There are also health benefits for MOM! There is growing evidence that breastfeeding will reduce your chances of developing either breast or ovarian cancers. You also burn more calories when you are breastfeeding, so you can lose the pregnancy weight faster. Healthier babies AND healthier moms -- what more can you ask for?
How Do I start?
The best time to start the breastfeeding process is before delivery. We encourage you to visit with a lactation consultant prior to delivery, or ask questions about breastfeeding at your prenatal visit. In the Johnston County area we recommend the following lactation consultant:
Amber Newcomb,RN, IBCLC
919-631-9947
919-934-8171
Ms. Newcomb, originally from Michigan, has been a labor and delivery nurse for almost 15 years. She has worked in Johnston Memorial's Women's Pavilion for the past 3 years and has been a lactation consultant for 8+ years. She comes highly recommended from our practice.
Breastfeeding and Returning to Work
Many breastfeeding moms who are returning to work wonder if they can continue to breastfeed. The answer is DEFINITELY YES YOU CAN! We can help you smoothly transition back to work by planning in advance.
The most important thing is to find the breast pump that fits your needs. There are many choices available, but the best ones are dual pumps that will pump both breasts at the same time. The other choice you need to make is electric versus battery operated pump. You will generally get better suction and pumping action if you use an electric pump. You can look at the different models available at a medical supply company and be sure to ask your doctor for a recommendation.
Next, try the pump at home and start storing some milk in advance of going back to work. The best time to start pumping is about one month after your baby is born. I usually recommend pumping 1-2x per day about 1/2 way between feedings or after a morning feeding if your baby has not emptied your breasts completely. There are many ways to store your milk, but be sure to write the date you pumped on all containers of stored milk and always use the oldest milk first. Milk can be stored frozen in a regular freezer for one month and in a deep freezer for 3-6 months. Discard unused refrigerated breast milk after 48 hours. Do not place breast milk back in the refrigerator or freezer after it has been thawed.
Two weeks before returning to work, discuss your breastfeeding plans with your employer. If they do not have a designated breast pumping room, then they can find you a room or office that you can use every 3-4 hours to pump. The women's bathroom is NOT an acceptable pumping area as it is very unsanitary. Make sure you have a refrigerator or freezer to store your milk in at work and have a bag with ice packs for transporting your milk home. It is to your employers advantage to encourage you to breastfeed because you will have a healthier baby and miss fewer days because of a sick baby -- so most employers are happy to help you have a comfortable experience when returning to work. If your employer is not willing to support your pumping at work, talk to your doctor and she can help explain the benefits to them!
Many new moms also feel guilty taking a "break" to pump, but remember, it takes less time to pump than it does for some of your coworkers to take a "smoke break" and it is helping keep you productive at work because your baby will be healthier. Smoke breaks contribute nothing to productivity and actually may make the smoker miss MORE days due to illness.
Another source of frustration can be trying to introduce your infant to the bottle of breast milk. Wait to introduce it until your baby is 4 weeks of age and then try it 1-x per day. Make sure that you have plenty of time when and it may also be helpful to have another person to help out. Start with freshly expressed milk so that it is as close to normal temp as possible and start with a nipple that is close to your natural nipple shape. Once you find a nipple that your child will accept, stick with the same one each time. Do not be upset if the first time doesn't go well or if your baby doesn't like the nipple you choose--you can try another nipple. Also, some babies take the bottle better from daddy or a grandparent at first because they are more comfortable with the breast and know that you have the what they want! Give the first attempt 15-20 minutes and then stop. You can try again another day!
About one week prior to returning to work, talk with your childcare provider about feeding arrangements. Also make sure they know how to properly thaw and store your milk. And remember that accidents happen--discuss with her what to do in the event there is a spill or if she runs out of milk. Also discuss your feelings on pacifier use or non-use.
With good planning, you and your baby will have a smooth transition to your work return. We are always happy to answer any questions about feeding or to help you get your employer to understand the benefits of supporting your decision to pump.