Lactation Consultants Help Moms Transition to Breastfeeding
Whether she's having her first baby or her third, no mother can be expected to have all the answers. A mom who successfully breastfed her first child might have different questions when her second child arrives, and of course it is natural for first-time moms to have a lot of questions. Even if a mom has breastfed before, her new baby is learning it for the first time.
Extended Resources
University of Michigan Health System (UMHS) has many support systems in place for women who want to breastfeed. If your baby is delivered at the University of Michigan Women's Birthing Center, you will receive breastfeeding assistance from nurses including learning how to watch for hunger cues, positioning and latch techniques, and how to tell if baby is getting enough to eat. If you and your baby are separated temporarily after birth due to health issues, nurses will help instruct and assist you in establishing a milk supply using the hospital breast pumps.
There is also a team of Breastfeeding Support Nurses, who have received extra training and are able to assist you with an advanced level of support if needed. The International Board Certified Lactation Consultants will oversee and assist with any complex breastfeeding concerns. They can assist moms in learning how to breastfeed infants who are having difficulty latching and/or suckling at breast, feeding multiple infants, feeding preterm infants, as well as assisting with milk supply concerns.
The lactation consultants offer outpatient clinic hours in the Women's Health Resource Center. There is a fee for the first visit, and the fee is reduced for additional consultations.
A Content Baby and Mom
The lactation consultants are pleased to help women experience the feelings of love and closeness with their baby that breastfeeding provides. UMHS lactation consultant Linda Faubert says there is an incredible feeling of accomplishment for a woman to be able to nourish her baby from her own body. She says, "It isn't just the baby who feels utter contentment."
For more information about breastfeeding or to arrange an appointment with one of the University of Michigan Health System's lactation consultants, call the Women's Health Resource Center at 734-936-8886.
This article first appeared in the September/October 05 issue of the Women's Health Newsletter. It was updated as of 8/3/2010.
