Breastmilk is the best formula for baby

I was a breastfeeding mom. All the women around me in my family breastfed their babies. I had high hopes for the whole idea. Breastfeeding is natural. However, I was unprepared. I didn’t understand that it is a skill that baby and mom must learn. I didn’t know that, while breastfeeding is helped along by instinct, but it takes some practice. I was frustrated, sore, and tired. How was I supposed to know if my baby was getting enough food?

What I didn’t know then was that many moms struggle and worry at first. I didn’t realize there are specially trained women to help me called lactation consultants. That could have saved me a lot of frustration. I would have learned that helping baby to latch on effectively is key to painless effective breastfeeding. An expert can help you fine-tune that.

Breastfeeding is best. It is indisputable. Breast milk is perfectly formulated for your baby. Breastfeeding helps keep baby safe from infections, asthma and many other health risks.  Infants who breastfeed are less likely to die from sudden infant death syndrome or to develop leukemia. More than 60% of Whitley County babies are breastfed. That is great, but it could be better. We should at least beat Kentucky’s average of 71%.

Science has done well coming up with an alternative in baby formula, but it still cannot compete with what your body can produce. Your body makes milk that is much more nutritious than formula. That means baby needs less breastmilk. You know baby is eating enough if they have regular wet and dirty diapers and are gaining weight.

I know it is not always possible to breastfeed. There are sometimes medical conditions that prevent breastfeeding. I am a former foster parent. There were babies I didn’t have a choice but to feed formula. It is something that you should talk with your health care provider about while you are pregnant. Also talk to the child’s health care provider after the baby is born. Seek out support early. There are lots of resources available, and don’t be bashful about getting answers to all your questions.

Good nutrition is important for a mother to produce milk for breastfeeding. Check if you meet income limits to qualify for WIC (Women, Infants and Children) food supplement program. As soon as you find out you are pregnant, check with the Health Department about signing up.

Baptist Health Corbin has lactation consultants on staff that can help while you are still at the hospital, or even after you are home. Whitley County Health Department has the HANDS program that is free. Sign up when you are pregnant or before baby is 90 days old. With HANDS, a specially trained staff person will help you find the resources you need in the community, including help with breastfeeding. They also help you learn about baby’s needs and development.

WIC has several services besides food to help moms breastfeed. A breastfeeding peer support mom is a woman who has experience with breastfeeding and the WIC program. This local mom offers telephone support to answer questions and give tips. WIC also has a certified lactation consultant who can help problem-solve any issues mom or baby might have.

The WIC program can help you access a free breast pump to use. This is especially helpful for working mothers, allowing you to pump breastmilk and freeze it for baby to use later. Breastfeeding is a “use it or lose it” thing. If you breastfeed less, your body will make less milk. This means it is important to pump when you go back to work at least until baby is six months old. Pumping breastmilk also allows other family members to help take care of baby.

There are laws in place to support new breastfeeding mothers. The PUMP Act law requires most places you work to let you pump when you need to. The employer must supply break time and a space other than a bathroom to pump. Most health insurance programs, including Medicaid, have services that help moms breastfeed. This might include extra free services, access to breast pumps or other lactation consultants.

Breastfeeding supplies benefits in addition to a healthier baby. Breastfeeding is free. All the stress and heartache from the formula shortage didn’t affect those who were breastfeeding. You don’t have to pack anything special when you take baby out in the community when you breastfeed. You don’t have to mix anything, and there are no bottles to wash.

Don’t be embarrassed to breastfeed when you are out in the community. It is important for moms to know that they have the right to breastfeed in public. Most moms and babies learn to breastfeed with a blanket thrown over a shoulder to give you and baby privacy.

Family members can help support moms with breastfeeding. Wake up with baby at night and change the diaper so mom just has to feed baby. Encourage mom to reach out for help if she starts to feel frustrated or worried.

Health care providers should encourage breastfeeding with pregnant moms. Bring up the topic. Encourage questions. Know what support is available in the community. Share resources.

Breastfeeding has important benefits for baby and mom. Increasing breastfeeding rates will make our whole community healthier for years to come. To learn more about HANDS or WIC breastfeeding support, call 606-549-3380.