Top tips for breastfeeding success

There are many reasons why breastfeeding is the ideal choice for most moms and babies, which is why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends infants be exclusively breastfed for the first six months with continued breastfeeding, alongside appropriate foods, for one year or longer. Yet, only 25% of infants in the United States are exclusively breastfed at six months.

Katy Boyd, BSN, RN, IBCLC, certified lactation consultant at Kettering Health’s First Steps Breastfeeding Center of Excellence, offered her best tips for breastfeeding success.

Why breastfeed?

Colostrum, the first milk that comes in after your baby is born, is often referred to as “liquid gold” and the babies’ first vaccine, Boyd said.

“Colostrum has antibodies from mom that protect her newborn from illness and help her baby develop a strong immune system,” she said.

Throughout the entire breastfeeding journey, a mother’s body continues to produce antibodies in her breastmilk that protect her baby from illness and disease.

Long-term, breastfeeding lowers the risk of disease and illness for mother and baby. Babies who breastfeed have a lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome, childhood obesity, diabetes, leukemia, asthma and allergies.

Breastfeeding also reduces the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer, osteoporosis, depression and diabetes.

Breastfeeding tips

Knowledge is power, Boyd said. Moms should understand the importance of skinto-skin contact, nursing in the first hour after birth and the cycle of breast milk production.

Boyd suggested the following for breastfeeding success:

■ Attend breastfeeding classes for expecting parents.

■ Discuss feeding goals with primary care provider.

■ Schedule appointments with a certified lactation consultant.

■ Have a support system and reach out for help as needed.

■ Attend a breastfeeding support group.

How lactation consultants can help beyond breastfeeding

The goal of the lactation consultant is never to make life harder for new mothers, but to collaborate with their healthcare team and support parents in their nutrition goals for their baby, Boyd said.

“If a plan is too stressful, then we will modify the plan,” she said. “Feeding plans are unique. It is important to provide each family with the tools to meet their goals.”

Lactation consultants provide education and support, including guidance for moms who do not wish to direct breastfeed, but still give their baby expressed breast milk, as well as moms who choose to give their baby formula.

“We teach proper formula preparation and storage in conjunction with their pedestrian’s recommendation on the amount of formula to give their baby,” she said.

To talk to a lactation consultant at First Steps Breastfeeding Support Center, call (937) 401-6881.