Bellin Health’s Post

I’ve been qi coaching for breastfeeding collaboratives for over 6 yrs now. My practice background was maternity nursing, then pediatrics. I’m fully aware of the benefits of breastfeeding as well as the evidence based practices behind it. I also know of the inherent “controversies” that inevitably arise when talking with peers & consumers about infant feeding & breastfeeding. While working for a CNE provider & sponsoring such events, I learned even more about the benefits, not only the obvious ones for mom’s health too, but benefits at the chemical, cellular level- the miracle of nature and our bodies! I was amazed at the chemistry behind human milk! While along my equity journey, I’m now cognizant to the historical trauma associated with breastfeeding, especially for women of color. For that I feel remorse. This conference, this community movement, and others for equity within infant feeding practices, thrills me. Not every woman can or wants to breastfeed, thankfully there remains the freedom of choice, particularly when there’s informed choice, for other options such as formula & milk banks, which are gaining more accessibility in N.C. #healthystarts #equitymatters #nationalbreastfeedingmonth #informeddecisionmaking #lifelonglearner #biology #earliestnutrition #infantfeeding #safeandequitablematernitycarepractices #continuingeducation #qicoach #preventionpractices

There is so much to be said about this study. None of it hasn't been known for decades. Mothers and families need support postpartum just as much as they need maternity care. Period. Why did I become a postpartum doula and a lactation counselor? Because of this gap or non-existent care in our system. How does this inform my support? 1) Thorough postpartum planning during prenatal meetings 2) Thorough breastfeeding/feeding information during prenatals 3) On call for early breastfeeding/feeding questions. 4) Early in-home breastfeeding visit 5) Two-week postpartum visit 6) Thorough list of resources We as individual care providers can help bridge the gap in care for the postpartum families we serve. Every family that is supported will be aware of how to support their friends and family. Let's be the change.

Medical and professional organizations worldwide agree mother’s milk is the perfect food for babies. August is National Breastfeeding Month, which focuses on spreading the word about breastfeeding's benefits. That’s why we’re sharing advice about breastfeeding and where breastfeeding moms can turn for support in reaching their breastfeeding goals. 📲 Read the full blog: https://lnkd.in/g2HXiyYS

It's no surprise that parents in the US report feeling unprepared for breastfeeding. After hospital discharge, there is no regularly scheduled follow-up care for breastfeeding in the postpartum period. If people need lactation support, care, or guidance, they must seek appropriate care for themselves. Often, parents do not know where to get the best care, are not plugged into a community of lactation support, and/or do not know about the lactation resources that are available to them. In some other parts of the world, breastfeeding follow-up occurs as standard care after birth. In Norway, for example, follow-up breastfeeding care routinely takes place in the first week postpartum. Since the 1970s, Norway has adopted several pro-breastfeeding practices, and early lactation care after birth is critical to their success. (Norway also has a generous paid leave policy.) As a result, about 80% of Norwegians are still breastfeeding at 6 months postpartum. To further complicate things, in the US, standard follow-up after birth is at six weeks, but this is NO guarantee of breastfeeding support! Caregivers may ask about breastfeeding /infant feeding, but usually, the follow-up visit at six weeks is not with a caregiver who has any lactation expertise. I recommend early breastfeeding care and guidance for all dyads in the first days postpartum. This can be a great time for follow-up lactation education, evaluating feeding and weight gain, and Q&A with a lactation specialist. Early breastfeeding support is critical. Parents in the US would benefit dramatically if our standard care included a follow-up lactation appointment by day four postpartum. You can read more about my recommendations for early lactation care in my book Protecting Your Potential for Breastfeeding. It's available from Amazon and other online book sellers and from Praeclarus Press. #lactationsupport #breastfeedingsupport #standardcare #protectbreastfeeding #postpartumsupport

Supporting breastfeeding for all involves a combination of education, advocacy, and providing accessible resources. Here are some ways to help close the gap: 1. Education and Awareness Public Education Campaigns: Raise awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and babies through media campaigns, community workshops, and social media. Healthcare Professional Training: Ensure that healthcare providers, including nurses and doctors, are well-trained to support and encourage breastfeeding from the prenatal period through postpartum care. 2. Workplace Support Paid Maternity Leave: Advocate for policies that provide paid maternity leave, giving mothers the time they need to establish breastfeeding. Lactation Rooms: Encourage employers to provide private, clean, and comfortable spaces for breastfeeding or pumping at work. Flexible Work Hours: Promote flexible working arrangements to accommodate breastfeeding schedules. 3. Access to Resources Lactation Consultants: Provide access to lactation consultants who can offer personalized support to mothers facing challenges with breastfeeding. Breastfeeding Support Groups: Facilitate the formation of support groups where mothers can share experiences and receive encouragement from others. Affordable Breastfeeding Supplies: Ensure that essential supplies like breast pumps and nursing pads are affordable and accessible to all mothers. 4. Community Support Normalize Breastfeeding: Work to normalize breastfeeding in public spaces by creating a culture of acceptance and respect. Support in Underserved Areas: Focus efforts on reaching mothers in underserved communities who may face additional barriers to breastfeeding, such as lack of access to healthcare or education. 5. Policy and Advocacy Breastfeeding-Friendly Policies: Advocate for policies that protect and promote breastfeeding, such as the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) and legislation that protects the right to breastfeed in public. Equity in Healthcare: Address disparities in healthcare that may affect breastfeeding, particularly among minority and low-income communities. 6. Inclusive Messaging Cultural Sensitivity: Ensure that breastfeeding support and education are culturally sensitive and inclusive, recognizing the diverse needs and experiences of different communities. Engaging Fathers and Partners: Include fathers and partners in breastfeeding education to build a supportive home environment. By taking a comprehensive approach that addresses these different areas, we can help close the gap and support breastfeeding for all mothers and babies.

August is National Breastfeeding Month! Did you know that the Affordable Care Act requires insurers to cover the cost of breast pumps? Check out the informative article by US News for more details. #BreastfeedingMonth #HealthcareCoverage #ACA #EmployeeBenefits

Today marks the start of #WorldBreastfeedingWeek. The global 2024 theme as set by #WABA is “Closing the Gap”, with a focus on the critical first week: “Lack of breastfeeding support during the critical first week negatively affects the overall breastfeeding intentions and prevalence”. At Lactamo we’re really encouraged by the theme this year. The critical first week postpartum is where most mothers experience problems and is ‘make or break’ for breastfeeding: what a mother establishes in the first week sets her up for her entire breastfeeding journey. This is clearly the time to focus on support for women. Hospitals are best positioned in their maternity wards to empower, support and upskill women after birth in establishing optimal breastfeeding. But the stats are telling us that current approaches to breastfeeding support need to be improved: we are failing our mothers at one of their most vulnerable touchpoints in the motherhood journey. There is an urgent need for early access to innovative solutions that offer personalised and effective support to breastfeeding mothers. At Lactamo we carry out an annual breastfeeding survey in line with World Breastfeeding Week, taking the pulse of the current status quo in the hope of tracking progress in the future. Our 2024 results confirm the progress that needs to be made. Only 13% thought breastfeeding would be hard, yet 95% of women then reported breastfeeding challenges. 69% thought more support in the ‘critical first week’ would have improved their breastfeeding experience. Lactamo has spent the last six months working with hospitals, providing Lactamo to patients in nationwide Pilots in Australian and India. Feedback from the healthcare professionals is that using Lactamo in this period empowers mothers to navigate breastfeeding challenges with “unprecedented” benefits. Using Lactamo in the first week postpartum was shown to proactively prevent lactation issues, supporting long-term breastfeeding success. Notably, the Pilot in Cloudnine Group of Hospitals in India revealed that during the month-long Pilot, mothers in their hospitals experienced zero breast abscesses (compared to the very high incidence that they usually experience). Lactamo was described by the healthcare professionals as “phenomenal for engorgement, oversupply, pain, and blocked ducts.” It allowed patients to use massage therapy where they otherwise couldn’t and “resolved 90% of all breastfeeding problems easily”. The stats are dire, but the future is bright. The recent Pilots are an exciting and pivotal point for Lactamo and for breastfeeding progress, supporting and empowering women in their journeys, targeting long-term success. Thank you, Women's Agenda for this feature today. This spotlight means a lot in our mission. https://lnkd.in/gGtpYTks

How have you been supported in your breastfeeding journey especially at the household? Strong support networks is essential for overcoming breastfeeding obstacles. From healthcare providers and lactation consultants to peer support groups and community initiatives, the right kind of support can make a world of difference. A study by Guan Jang found that breastfeeding support increased exclusive breastfeeding 5 times more in the experimental group than the control group (https://lnkd.in/dRJTYTaQ). Unfortunately, access to this support varies widely across different communities and socioeconomic groups. It’s our role therefore to advocate for policies and programs that ensure all mothers have access to the support they need. Additionally, raising awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and challenging harmful stereotypes can create a more supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers. While broader societal support is vital, the foundation of breastfeeding success often lies within the household. Partners, family members, and caregivers play a crucial role in creating a nurturing and supportive environment. This supportive environment can be achieved through sharing household responsibilities, such as cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping. This support can alleviate the burden on new mothers, allowing them to focus on bonding with their babies and establishing breastfeeding. Offering emotional support, encouragement, and practical assistance can also significantly boost a mother’s confidence and well-being. In what other way(s) can you share can you support breastfeeding at the household? #breastfeeding #breastfeedingsupport #community #family #maternalhealth #parenting

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

Hello Connections ✨ WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK In line with the hospital's commitment to promoting maternal and child health, our SNS College of Nursing students conducted a breastfeeding role-play event. It was organized at Coimbatore Medical College Hospital on 7.08.2024 to educate new and expectant mothers on the importance of breastfeeding. The event aimed to provide practical guidance and support to mothers, addressing common challenges and misconceptions associated with breastfeeding. In this role play we have demonstrated, 🔸ADVANTAGES 🔸DO'S AND DON'TS IN BREASTFEEDING 🔸DIET DURING BREASTFEEDING 🔸TECHNIQUES AND POSITIONS 🔸IMPORTANCE OF BREASTFEEDING Outcomes: 🔸It increased awareness among mothers about the benefits of breastfeeding. 🔸Improved knowledge of breastfeeding techniques and solutions to common problems. 🔸Enhanced support network for breastfeeding mothers, facilitated by the hospital’s lactation consultants and nursing staff Participants were encouraged to ask questions and share their experiences. This interactive session allowed mothers to clarify doubts and learn from others' experiences. Participants were asked to provide feedback on the event, which will be used to improve future educational programs. The breastfeeding role-play event was a success, with active participation from both healthcare professionals and mothers. The hospital plans to organize similar events regularly to continue supporting and educating mothers on the importance of breastfeeding. #snsinstitutions #snsdesignthinkers #designthinking