from Certified Lactation Consultant, Therese Deroche, RN,IBCLC

New parents often anticipate breastfeeding to be natural, beneficial and the healthiest way to feed their baby.  When questions arise while in the hospital, new parents have the help of the nursing staff to aid them in this process.  However, time and time again new or expecting parents read all the latest information and attend every class they can, yet still feel overwhelmed when they are at home with their new baby.  It is normal to have a period of adjustment for the new family.   Feeding, diapering, bathing, burping-all these new tasks and so little time!

 Breastfeeding is very beneficial to the baby, as well as the mother.   Women who breastfeed are at lower risk for breast cancer, cervical cancer and osteoporosis.  Because we want breastfeeding to be a joyful and an easy experience, our lactation consultant is always available to answer questions and offer suggestions for our patients who may be having a difficult time with breastfeeding.

Below are just a few myths associated with breastfeeding:

It hurts! Breastfeeding is not supposed to be uncomfortable.  If a mom is experiencing pain when breastfeeding, there is usually a cause that can be corrected.

What if I can’t make milk? It is very rare for a mom not to produce breast milk.  When the baby is not fed from the breast early after delivery, and frequently thereafter, production may be decreased.  If the milk supply is not adequate, there are methods that can increase the supply of breast milk.

I have to go back to work, so I have to stop breastfeeding! Breastfeeding is not an all-or-nothing decision.  Moms have the option to breastfeed while at home and have someone bottle-feed the baby while she is not there.  She can pump and store breast milk or supplement with formula if she does not have enough expressed milk.

 Breastfeeding is a supply-and-demand process.  The more a women breastfeeds her baby or expresses milk, the more milk her body will produce.  On the other hand, the more she supplements with formula or does not stimulate the breast, the less milk her body will produce.

Children’s Clinic of SWLA Lactation Support

 Children’s Clinic of SWLA supports breastfeeding in many ways.  Along with our nursing staff, we have a certified lactation consultant available to help any patient who is also a breastfeeding mother.  Having a lactation consultant available allows our patients access to a professional trained specifically in the breastfeeding process. 

 It is recommended that expecting parents take a breastfeeding class after the fifth month of pregnancy.  These classes are a great starting point for expecting parents.  They provide the expecting mother and father with all the knowledge and resources to answer many questions that may arise after the delivery of their new baby.  Giving new parents the confidence needed to provide proper skills involved in breastfeeding is just one of our goals at Children’s Clinic of SWLA. 

Lactation visit recommendations

First visit (1 week of age) initial office visit:

During the initial visit an assessment of the baby’s weight and assessment of any breastfeeding problems the mother may be experiencing are made.  An evaluation of feedings since birth is taken.  A breastfeeding session is observed and improvements in latching on, attachment positioning and comfort measures are addressed.

Second visit (3-4 weeks of age) follow-up:

During this visit, we discuss any unresolved questions and concerns and check the baby’s weight.  The mother is also educated on the proper way to pump, store and handle her expressed milk.

Additional lactation visits are recommended anytime for the following reasons:

• A sleepy baby (not feeding at least eight times each day)
• Sore nipples
• Poor weight gain for the baby
• An anxious mother
• Engorgement or sore breasts
• Milk supply problems
• A fussy baby or gassy baby
• Multiple babies

  Lactation visits are scheduled by appointment only by calling

 478-6480

   Therese can also give parents information on breast pumps and  is also certified by Medela for proper bra fittings.