Within a Woman

If you plan to breastfeed it is a good idea to start preparing prior to the birth of your baby. Ensure that you have ample information on breastfeeding and the importance of initial skin to skin contact immediately after birth. By preparing yourself through education you are more likely to avoid difficulties in the early stages breastfeeding. Learning the physiology of breastfeeding and preparing your home for your comfort while breastfeeding are all important tools for success.

The first week after the birth of your child can sometimes make or break the breastfeeding relationship. It is my goal to assist and support you to make this the best transition possible for you, your baby and the others in your household.

I provide you with hands on breastfeeding support each day for the first couple of days and then again once your milk comes in. I can then follow up with you with phone calls and give you the chance to share any concerns you have until you feel confident in the breastfeeding relationship with you and your new baby. I will then check in with you at the 6week postpartum mark to ensure you are still feeling well supported with your breastfeeding. If you find you are having continued difficulties I can provide you with a referral to a Lactation Consultant or a peer Breastfeeding Councelor. I am there to listen and support you and offer you informational support based on the most recent studies and research. Keeping in mind at all times that every breastfeeding relationship is different and it is you and your baby that know best what works for you. While breastfeeding is natural, it does not always come easy at first. With proper support, however, most women can overcome their initial difficulties and go on to nurse their babies for as long as both mother and child wish it.

Breastfeeding Support Services and Packages

Birth and Postpartum Doula Services include Breastfeeding Support. I am also available for individual consultation in the comfort of your home or hospital for $20.00 per hour.
FREE BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT via email and phone to any local women

I also offer a Breastfeeding Support Package which includes, 1 Consultation to see if you wish to pursue my services, 1 PreNatal Home Visit which includes a time to ask questions, I provide you with many information handouts, an educational session about the anatomy of the breast and the importance of starting out right, a hospital visit and a postpartum home visit once your milk comes in and ongoing phone/email support for the first three weeks. $150.00

BREASTFEEDING: STARTING OUT RIGHT published in the Bridge River Lillooet News

by Casie Menhinick

Since the beginning of humankind, women have put their infants to breast. Extending the physical bond that begins at conception, women have nourished and protected their young with their bodies. These tender moments, in return, have brought pleasure and fulfillment to the task of mothering. If you are pregnant, you are probably looking forward to the time in which you will nourish, comfort, and protect your child in the same way as others before you - at the breast. Breastfeeding provides rewards to both mother and baby.

Some interesting facts about the benefits of breastfeeding:

• Breastfeeding protects mothers from breast cancer, ovarian cancer, osteoporosis and obesity.
• Babies who are breastfed one year often have higher IQ rates and are less likely to be victims of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
• There are lower cases of respiratory illnesses such as asthma, ear infections, childhood cancers, gastrointestinal infections and diseases in breastfed babies.
• Breastfeeding promotes development of a babies jaw and facial muscles.
• There is a reduced chance of childhood obesity in breastfed infants.
• Breastfed babies are less likely than formula fed babies of contracting colitis, meningitis, Crohns’s disease, necrotizing enterocolitis, eczema, certain types of heart disease and allergies amongst others.

Breastfeeding is truly a beneficial choice for your baby. Generations ago, most new mothers turned to their own mothers for support and guidance on breastfeeding. Unfortunately, few women today can do this. For many, the art of breastfeeding is learned alone - by trial and error. This often leads to frustration and discouragement. There are several ways you can learn about nursing ahead of time. Reading about it is certainly beneficial. You may also find a breastfeeding class or councellor to provide you with additional support and assistance. For example, the La Leche League is an organization of nursing mothers whose purpose is to support breastfeeding. You might consider attending a local La Leche League meeting, which are generally held monthly. Your health care provider, doula or public health nurse may also provide additional resources for you.

Getting off to the best start is very important in successful breastfeeding. There are numerous studies that show that mothers and babies should be together, skin-to-skin (baby naked, not wrapped in a blanket) immediately after birth. This makes the baby happier, its temperature stable and normal, its heart and breathing rates more stable and normal. It also elevates the baby’s blood sugar. Providing mother and baby skin-to-skin contact and an hour of quiet time together stimulates the baby and initiates spontaneous suckling. The baby may also require less assistance in latching on.

Here are some additional tips:

• Put baby to the breast within one hour of birth or when rooting (head butting) begins.
• Help the baby get to the breast within the one-hour time frame.
• Stimulate baby to have a wide-open mouth by lightly stroking his/her cheek.
• Make sure your baby has its mouth open wide, before bring it to the nipple.
• Check that the baby’s bottom lip and top lip are flanged out around the nipple.

Teaching your baby how to latch takes skill and patience. When helping your baby latch, make sure that you have as much of your areola in the baby’s mouth as possible. Gently sandwich your breast so that it is easier for your baby to pull your areola into its mouth. Check on the baby’s latch, by gently pulling back, your baby’s tongue should be wrapped around the nipple. A baby who is latched correctly will stimulate milk flow and will receive a good supply of colostrom. A good latch will also decrease nipple soreness. Your baby should nurse every 1.5 to 3 hours. Babies should be fed on demand. The colostrom that your baby receives shortly after birth may not seem like enough to sustain him/her but colostrom is like liquid gold and will be more than enough to sustain your baby until your milk comes in. Breastfeeding mothers should maintain a healthy diet and should drink lots of fluids while breastfeeding.

On Wednesday April 30th, Interior Health will be hosting a Prenatal Class on Breastfeeding and Newborn care. Kim Davy our Public Health Nurse and a Breastfeeding Councellor will be teaching the class. To find out more information on this class call the Interior Health Office at 250-256-1314.

Please note: Doulas also provide breastfeeding support programs and can offer you assistance. Families who choose the assistance of a Doula are offered 24hour on call support for the two weeks following birth.