Breastfeeding Helps Mothers and Babies Nourish, Sustain and Thrive

Since 2011, breastfeeding has been celebrated around the world during the month of August. This year’s theme–Nourish, Sustain, Thrive–shines a light on why protecting, promoting, and supporting lactation is so important, honors the work organizations are doing to help the global breastfeeding effort, and highlights how individuals and policymakers can contribute to a strong and sustainable lactation field.

While breastfeeding is celebrated in August, the benefits of breastfeeding have a lasting lifelong positive impact on families, notes Abies Lawani, MSN, RN, IBCLC, Staff Nurse II and lactation consultant at the Washington Hospital Birthing Center. Lawani says her team’s goal is to support patients in making choices for their new babies.

“We use shared decision-making to support a family’s goals, and provide as much education as possible so they are aware of the benefits of breastfeeding,” she explains. “Then we offer them as much support as they desire. We are proud of being part of every family’s story. The Washington Hospital lactation consultants work hand-in-hand with all Birthing Center and NICU staff to provide the knowledge, support, education and encouragement necessary for breastfeeding success.”

Baby-Friendly Care

Washington Hospital has been designated as a Baby-Friendly Hospital by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF since 2014. This designation recognizes the Hospital’s commitment to providing the highest level of care for infant feeding and mother-baby bonding. The Birthing Center’s seven lactation consultants are all registered nurses who have been certified as International Board-certified Lactation Consultants.

Lawani advises that families require active support to begin and maintain good breastfeeding practices. “Some babies latch right away, and others will sometimes have latch difficulties in the beginning,” she said. “Some families have taken a prenatal breastfeeding class and others are coming to it with a limited background on the expectations for breastfeeding. Our role is to meet families where they are and build upon prior knowledge. Having a strong support system is key to meeting the feeding goals they’ve set for themselves and their babies. I tell them to take it one feeding at a time, because every baby and scenario can be different. The first few days are like an orientation to a new job; learning a new skill takes time and practice. As parents gain more experience, they become more confident and independent.”

She continues, “If families have questions after discharge, Washington Hospital offers outpatient lactation services at the Birthing Center. “We can meet with them one-on-one, or support them over the phone on our Lactation Advice line for continued guidance.”

Bonding Culture

Promoting mother-baby bonding and breastfeeding is more than just talk at Washington Hospital–it’s part of the culture.

“Right after birth, we help facilitate breastfeeding as soon as possible–ideally in the first hour after delivery,” she says. “That’s the “golden hour.” We put baby skin-to-skin and then provide assistance through the first latch.

Allowing babies to have unlimited skin-to-skin for the first few hours helps with the bonding, milk production, and temperature stability.”

Typical changes in one’s own body, babies’ behaviors, and dynamics of milk supply are all discussed, but babies don’t follow scripts, and parents can be surprised by robust feeding patterns.

“For example, the second night babies tend to cluster feed,” Lawani explains. “They’re feeding nearly every hour. I prepare families with the knowledge that this is what’s going to happen, but the demands of a newborn are often underestimated. The second night comes, and families call with concerns that they’re doing something wrong. Frequent feeding is normal for breastfeeding newborns, and distinguishing between what is and is not normal leads to increased confidence in caring for their newborn. For many families, this time in a baby-friendly environment is crucial to establishing a successful breastfeeding experience.”

Going Forward

In the past, new moms were told to feed their babies on a schedule, but Baby-Friendly research has shown feeding on cue is much better for both mom and baby. To aid in that, newborns at Washington Hospital Birthing Center stay in the rooms with their moms, who are encouraged to breastfeed responsively. Rooming-in helps the new mom learn her baby’s feeding cues.

Lawani said moms are encouraged to breastfeed exclusively for six months, then introduce solids while continuing to breastfeed. Baby-Friendly guidelines suggest year. For moms who want to supplement breastfeeding with a bottle, or who will have other caregivers taking care of the baby, Lawani and her team suggest supplementing with the mom’s own breast milk.

“Considering the lifelong benefits of breast milk, we want our patients to understand all the options to initiate and sustain breastfeeding,” she said. “We have hospital-grade breast pumps available here for use during their inpatient stay and resources for local breast pump rental services. If they choose to add formula, we let them know that any amount of breast milk they provide their child is beneficial and the ideal primary food for their baby. We want to make sure we’re providing the information they need to make an informed decision about infant feeding.”

For more information, you can call Washington Maternal Child Education at 510.818.5041.