Latch Onto Breastfeeding

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August was deemed National Breastfeeding Awareness Month in 2004, by the Office of Women’s Health, part of the US Department of Health and Human Services. The purpose was to empower and encourage mothers to commit to breastfeeding by providing new research that babies who are exclusively breastfed for six months are less likely to develop health issues such as respiratory illnesses and childhood obesity.

As a mother of two children, with one born earlier this year, I have been so grateful for the support provided by the local community, doctors, and other mothers. Breastfeeding is like a rollercoaster, there are highs and lows and twists and turns, both emotionally and physically. Besides giving birth, it has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life knowing that my body can provide the perfect food to nourish my baby. I am blessed and honored to be able to nurse my children, as I know all moms are not. 

Robin Nickerson, a Registered Nurse and IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, believes that knowledge is power. She highly suggests taking a class and thinks it will set you up for success when it comes to breastfeeding. CHOMP offers a free two and a half hour “Breastfeeding Success” class which focuses on prenatal preparation, problem prevention and strategies for success. When a problem arises with your breastfeeding journey, Robin encourages you to address it immediately. Many moms struggle longer than they should. She says, “When in doubt, check it out.” For moms who deliver at the CHOMP Family Birth Center, they can continue to see the lactation consultants on staff after discharge. The Monterey Peninsula also has a Lactation Support Warm Line (831-625-4987) open to all local moms who need breastfeeding support. 

Tricia Williams, a Registered Nurse, IBCLC and New Parent Support Home Visitor with the Fleet and Family Support Center is another excellent resource for the many military families that are stationed in the Monterey area. Tricia can come into your home, has a scale for weighted feeds and can provide support and resources to new moms. One of the things she likes to point out to moms is the importance of a proper latch. She also advises moms to be aware that weight loss in a newborn is typical, especially if IV fluids were given to the mother or if there was an induction with Pitocin or a cesarean section. 

Camilla Miller is an IBCLC who offers breastfeeding support to families on the Monterey Peninsula and is the owner of Monterey Bay Lactation. She also facilitates a support group called “Growing Together” that meets every Friday at 10:00 am at the Monterey Birth and Wellness Center.  Camilla said, “I have seen the families that come to Growing Together bond and blossom as they meet their babies needs through breastfeeding and their own needs by supporting each other. Together they have celebrated milestones, gotten through difficulties, shared laughter and tears, and cheered each on. It’s never too early or too late to find a supportive network – our group welcomes your family no matter where you are in your nursing journey.” For more information, visit www.montereybaylactation.com. 

The La Leche League of the Monterey Peninsula hosts an online forum on Facebook and also meets monthly and is a peer-to-peer support group. Accredited La Leche League Leaders will also present monthly topics including benefits of breastfeeding, bringing home baby, avoiding difficulties, nutrition, and weaning. Other resources including a lending library, email, phone and online support. Meetings are free, and yearly memberships are optional ($20). Donations are appreciated. More meeting locations and times visit: www.facebook.com/groups/LLLMP/ 

Natividad Hospital in Salinas offers a Lactation Clinic that offers breastfeeding support to new and expecting mothers, regardless of where the baby was born. They take appointments seven days a week.

 The hospital also has a team of six internationally board-certified consultants who offer private, one-on-one consultations for breastfeeding support, including pumping and storing milk.

Breastfeeding is a journey, and it is different for every mom, but one thing that is for sure is that we can all learn from one another. 

As always, fed is best, whether it be exclusive breastfeeding, donor breast milk, exclusive pumping, formula or a combination of the above, a happy and fed baby correlates to a happy and healthier mom.

Here are some tips from fellow nursing mothers: 

• See an IBCLC in the hospital before you are discharged home to ensure you have a proper latch.
• Set small breastfeeding goals (2 weeks, then one month, then three months, etc.).
• Always have water with you to stay hydrated.  
• Be persistent; it will get better! 
• Snack on lactation cookies and raw almonds. Local mom, Grace, bakes her homemade lactation cookies, “Seeds of Grace.” They are delicious and help increase supply. Email gslama78@gmail.com to place your order.
• Meet other moms through support groups like La Leche League and local mom’s groups.

Allison Chance is a military spouse and mom to Charlotte, 4, and Hux, 4 months. She is a Realtor and has been lucky to call Florida, Hawaii, and now California home during her family’s military adventure.