Mila's Keeper的动态

It's Workplace Lactation Week - yes it's such a thing! As a former breastfeeding mom who had to pump 3 x day in the office for two years, I can't emphasize how important it is to recognize the needs of moms to pump in the workplace. And what if we were able to show that pumping actually extends breastfeeding rates AND addresses racial inequities in breastfeeding? This is exactly what the latest exciting results suggest from a new study of over 19,000 mothers in the US, published in the Journal of Pediatrics. It concludes that pumping extends breastfeeding duration by an average of a whopping 5+ months vs those who do not pump. In addition, the greatest positive association of pump use with breastfeeding was found among non-Hispanic Black and Native American mothers, who also have the lowest rates of breastfeeding. This builds on previous studies that looked at the WIC program, a US government-subsidized nutrition program for at-risk families, which showed that when provided an electric breast pump, a mom would request for formula at 8.8 months, vs those who did not receive a pump, would request formula on average at 4.8 months. With 65.5% of all babies in the US under one year, born to a working mom, companies must step forward to ensure their breastfeeding employees have the support they need. So what do breastfeeding parents need in the workplace? 1. Paid Parental Leave (UNICEF supports a min. of 6 months) 2. Adequate time to pump (30 min at least) 3. A Private Place to Pump (not a bathroom) 4. The Tools to Pump (subsidized breast pump and cold milk storage) 5. Lactation education/support regarding pumping Paid leave, along with pumping support when she returns to work, economically empowers women to continue to work without sacrificing the needs of her baby. Would it also be a stretch to say it would also reduce the Maternal Wage Gap of 71 cents on the dollar? Could more investments in pumping, actually make WHO's global goal of 50% 6-months exclusive breastfeeding rates within reach for the US? As we currently stand at less than 25%, we moms need all the help we can get! #breastfeeding #workplacesupport #equity

Breastfeeding is widely recognized for its immense benefits for babies, providing essential nutrients and antibodies that promote healthy growth and development. However, the act of breastfeeding is also incredibly beneficial for mothers. From physical health advantages to emotional well-being, breastfeeding offers numerous perks that extend beyond baby care. Houston OBGYN specialists, particularly at Plaza OBGYN, emphasize the importance of breastfeeding for both mothers and babies. Physical Health Benefits Faster Postpartum Recovery: Breastfeeding stimulates the release of oxytocin, a hormone that helps the uterus contract and return to its pre-pregnancy size more quickly. This can reduce postpartum bleeding and promote faster recovery after childbirth, which is a critical focus at Houston obstetrics centers. Reduced Risk of Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Studies have shown that women who breastfeed have a lower risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. The protective effect increases with the duration of breastfeeding. Lower Risk of Osteoporosis: Women who breastfeed have a reduced risk of osteoporosis later in life. The process of breastfeeding helps the body absorb calcium more efficiently, which strengthens bones and reduces the likelihood of fractures. Natural Contraception: Breastfeeding can delay the return of menstruation and ovulation, providing a natural form of birth control known as lactational amenorrhea. This effect is most reliable when breastfeeding is exclusive and frequent. Calorie Burning and Weight Loss: Producing breast milk requires significant energy expenditure, which can help women burn extra calories and lose pregnancy weight more easily. Breastfeeding can burn approximately 500 calories per day. Emotional and Psychological Benefits Bonding with the Baby: The act of breastfeeding fosters a unique emotional bond between mother and baby. The skin-to-skin contact and close physical proximity release oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone,” which enhances maternal bonding and emotional connection. Reduced Risk of Postpartum Depression: Some studies suggest that breastfeeding can lower the risk of postpartum depression. The release of oxytocin and prolactin during breastfeeding promotes feelings of relaxation and well-being, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety. Enhanced Confidence and Empowerment: Successfully breastfeeding can boost a mother’s confidence and sense of accomplishment. The ability to provide complete nutrition and comfort to their baby through breastfeeding can be incredibly empowering. Practical and Economic Benefits Cost Savings: Breastfeeding is a cost-effective way to feed a baby. Unlike formula feeding, which can be expensive, breast milk is free and always available. This can significantly reduce the financial burden on families. Convenience and Portability: Breast milk is always at the right temperature and requires no preparation, making it a convenient option for feeding

Despite the well-documented health benefits of breastfeeding for both women and children, less than half of infants worldwide begin life with recommended breastfeeding practices. The first comprehensive review of the costs of breastfeeding in more than a decade reveals the US faces annual losses in excess of $100 billion annually. Published in the journal Health Policy and Planning, and led by a researcher at Mount Auburn Hospital, the analysis underscores the growing recognition of breastfeeding as a public health priority. Click the link below to learn more. https://bit.ly/47A7EZx

Anything we do or fail to do for individual dyads that erodes the opportunity for breastfeeding and human milk feeding over the long term is a huge problem. Much of what is important about breastfeeding and human milk is dose-dependent, so the longer it goes on, the better the outcomes. "This study demonstrated that number of direct breastfeeding attempts in the NICU is predictive of the availability of MOM {mother's own milk} at 6 months corrected age after adjusting for age of the mother, type of delivery, APGAR score at 5?min and number of inpatient LC encounters. There was a 9.5% increase in odds of the infant getting MOM at 6 months for every breastfeeding attempt in the NICU." (https://lnkd.in/gcQDq77Y) Believe it or not, this study is the FIRST to demonstrate this. These were babies average age 35 wks at birth and stayed in NICU more than 5 days. This study shows us that what we do when we advocate for and facilitate direct breastfeeding in the NICU is critical to determining later breastfeeding and feeding of human milk. The barrier to overcome is the persistent belief, and sometimes the difficult reality, that it is hard for NICU staff to facilitate direct breastfeeding.? Here's the thing, though: it's not impossible. It's absolutely possible. More importantly, it matters. Breastfeeding matters. We have to do better at creating opportunities for early breastfeeding and protecting milk production in the earliest hours and days of breastfeeding for ALL dyads. We have to do better at supporting the people who work in the NICU directly with parents to be able to do their jobs while facilitating breastfeeding. All of us, as healthcare providers, must represent what breastfeeding is by our actions, not by empty words or phrases. It doesn't matter how loudly you proclaim (in real life or online) how you or your organization "support breastfeeding!" What matters is what you actually do to support people who are breastfeeding. When our actions facilitate breastfeeding and human milk feeding, then the value of these activities is elevated and the opportunity grows within each dyad.

Is it normal for breastfeeding mothers to have sore nipples? If, by ??normal?? I mean common, which is not the same thing, the answer is yes. But most mothers are told by health care professionals that almost all mothers get sore nipples and that pain with breastfeeding is normal and that the pain will usually improve with time. And it is true that sometimes, sore nipples get better with time. The argument is often made?: ??Well, labour is painful too, and is a normal part of giving birth??. But many mothers will go through labour without pain relief, knowing that eventually the pain will go away with the birth of the baby and at the end, they will have relief of the pain and the pleasure which is the baby in her arms and suckling at the breast. As a male, I am not in the position to say ??don’t have an epidural?or other method off pain relief during labour and birth ?. Sore nipples are surely the most common problem we see in our breastfeeding support clinic (The International Breastfeeding Centre in Toronto Canada). The pain is not going away; in fact, the pain is often getting worse. What do we do to help? We help the baby to latch on better and that often makes a world of difference. Also, many of the babies we see have a tongue tie and release of the tongue tie often makes a world of difference as well. Recently we had a midwife at our clinic. She was very reluctant to accept that her problem was due to a tongue tie but she agreed to a tongue tie release. She was smiling broadly after the tongue release with the baby at the breast. Parents, don’t suffer from nipple pain. Get good help, as soon as possible. If that means I recommend releasing the tongue tie, say yes. It is a simple procedure that takes a couple of seconds to do.?

As a 4th trimester physician and lactation specialists and someone who does anterior clipping and who has seen the outcomes of bad lasering in relationship to breastfeeding..I agree with this article

I want to share my latest blog post on the early postpartum gap in care for early outpatient breastfeeding support.....

Continued collaboration needed to reduce breastfeeding disparities and meet Healthy People 2030 goals Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for most infants and has important health benefits. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and continued breastfeeding until 2 years or beyond. Healthy People 2030 (HP2030), a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services initiative, sets national health targets. These include increasing the proportion of infants: Exclusively breastfeeding through 6 months of age (target: 42.4%). Receiving any breastmilk at 1 year (target: 54.1%). A recent CDC-led study assessed the gains needed to achieve national HP2030 targets among different sociodemographic groups. Nationally, a gain of roughly 17 percentage points was needed to meet each HP2030 target among children born between 2019 and 2020. No sociodemographic subgroup reached the HP2030 breastfeeding targets. The gains needed to achieve them ranged widely. Subgroups needing gains of more than 20 percentage points to meet targets included: Non-Hispanic Black children. Participants of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Children with household incomes less than 100% federal poverty level. Children with unmarried parents. Children with mothers without any college. Children with mothers aged less than 30 years. Federal and local partners need to continue to collaborate to reduce disparities and help achieve the HP2030 national breastfeeding targets. Noiman A, Kim C,?Chen J, Elam-Evans LD,?Hamner HC,?Li R.?Gains needed to achieve Healthy People 2030 breastfeeding targets.?Pediatrics. 2024 Aug 23:e2024066219. doi: 10.1542/peds.2024-066219. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39175458.

Breastfeeding is a natural and fundamental act that not only nourishes infants but also establishes a deep bond between mother and child. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the numerous benefits of breastfeeding, backed by a wealth of scientific research and compelling statistics. In this article, we delve into the transformative power of breastfeeding, exploring its physical and emotional advantages for both mothers and babies.

Some mothers choose to exclusively breastfeed their newborns, while others prefer a combination of breastfeeding and bottles, or may want to supplement with formula. Paula Judah, LPN, RLC, an International Board-certified lactation consultant at the MultiCare Deaconess Hospital breastfeeding clinic, emphasizes the importance of doing what's best for each individual and their household. She highlights the need to avoid judgment and acknowledges that every woman's situation is unique. The decision of how to feed a baby is deeply personal and can be influenced by factors such as hesitancy with a first child, financial constraints, or a busy work/life schedule. While breastfeeding is beneficial for most infants, offering optimal nutrition and health advantages for both mother and child, the journey is not always straightforward. It's crucial to support and respect each mother's choice, recognizing the challenges and complexities involved. To learn more about breastfeeding challenges, benefits, and support for nursing moms, visit the link below: https://lnkd.in/eTdkP7ac