Lactation consultants focus on problems
Training helps moms breast-feed successfully
Years ago, when most mothers breast-fed their babies, the older daughters were able to observe the process. Now, since many mothers grew up in families in which the babies were bottle-fed, they must be taught how to breast-feed, says Vicki Bodley, IBCLC, a lactation consultant and owner of Lactation Associates of Montana in Billings.
"Lactation consultants have that expertise since we have seen enough women over time. While every breast-feeding mother is different, there are enough similarities to trouble-shoot. Someone doing full patient care doesn’t have the time to focus in and really study what needs to be done," says Bodley.
Lactation consultants offer moms consistent, up-to-date information, says Lori Salisbury, RN, BSN, a lactation specialist at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, WA.
"We think that breast feeding is a natural thing, but they are doing research all the time to find out what works best. By having people focus on the area, staff and the moms get constant information and assistance," Salisbury says.
Health care organizations should want mothers to succeed at breast-feeding, says Salisbury. Breast-fed babies are healthier and have better immunity, which saves future health care dollars.
There are many benefits to helping mothers gain the skills needed to successfully breast feed, according to the New York City- based United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) [formerly the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund], sponsor of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative to encourage and recognize hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for lactation. The benefits include a decreased risk of diarrhea, respiratory and ear infections, and allergic skin disorders. About 200,000 children, mostly infants, are hospitalized annually in the United States at a cost of more than half a billion dollars, according to UNICEF. (For information on how to be designated a Baby-Friendly Hospital, see p. 126.)
"When a mom has made a choice to breast feed, we want to give her all the support she needs to be successful," says Salisbury.
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