August is National Breastfeeding Month. Many moms know of the health benefits for babies who are breastfed. Intermountain Health certified lactation consultants point out that for decades, clinical research has shown how breastfeeding is beneficial to babies. Breastfeeding is linked to decreased rates of lower respiratory tract infections, severe diarrhea, ear infections and childhood obesity, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and asthma. Breastfeeding is associated with lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome, as well as other protective effects.
But moms might not know that research also documents the health benefits for mothers who breastfeed. Women who have breastfed their baby have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer, Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
According to state data from 2020, Utah has a high percentage (92%) of moms who initiate breastfeeding. But at six months, only 64 percent of Utah moms are breastfeeding
This data means there is more that Utah women’s health providers and pediatricians can do to support and encourage moms in their desire to continue to breastfeed beyond six months of age.
In 2022, the American Academy of Pediatrics updated their recommendations for breastfeeding to acknowledge the benefits of breastfeeding beyond one year.
Certified lactation consultants are key to helping new moms that want to breastfeed in the hospital and they can continue to help breastfeeding after moms go home. Breastfeeding may not come as naturally to new moms as they imagine. Taking a breastfeeding class during pregnancy can help dispel the mystique.
“Breastfeeding is a natural process, but it is also a learned skill for both moms and babies. It’s common to have breastfeeding challenges, especially in the first few days and weeks postpartum. Being educated about breastfeeding basics is a great place to start preparing,” said Lauren Davis, BSN, IBCLC, a nurse and international board-certified lactation consultant at Intermountain Park City Hospital.
“Breastfeeding is a journey that is different with every child. Seeking help early can have a huge difference in helping mom’s breastfeeding experience be positive. It can be very helpful to see a lactation consultant prior to birth for an individualized plan for successful breastfeeding. I also recommend everyone see a lactation consultant around the first week after delivery. Doing this can be very empowering and reassuring that everything is going well, or it can uncover a problem that can then be addressed early on.”
Intermountain Health has certified lactation consultants who are available for moms in the hospital post-childbirth, and also has certified lactation consultants available at hospitals for in-person visits after moms go home from the hospital. Telehealth lactation consultations are also available through Connect Care to help with common breastfeeding concerns. These visits are very convenient because they can be done from home or wherever you have some privacy and a phone or laptop.
Telehealth lactation consultation visits can help with these breastfeeding challenges:
- Milk supply
- Breast and nipple soreness
- Feeding positioning of baby
- Pumping breastmilk
- Plugged milk ducts
- Engorgement
- Mastitis
- Supplementation and bottle feeding
- Transition back to work
- Weaning
- Re-lactation
- Induced lactation, chestfeeding
In-person lactation consultation visits work better for:
- Challenges with baby latching on properly
- Baby being tongue-tied, etc.
- Choosing the size of a breast pump flange
- Concerns about baby being underweight (pre and post weight from pediatrician’s office required).
For more information about virtual or in-person lactation consultations, visit the lactation support webpage at intermountainhealth.org. Intermountain also has a virtual breastfeeding class available for expectant parents. It’s a one session, two-hour class. Cost is $15.
About Intermountain Health
Headquartered in Utah with locations in six states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Health is a nonprofit system of 33 hospitals, 385 clinics, medical groups with some 4,600 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a health plans division called Select Health with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For more information or updates, see https://intermountainhealthcare.org/news.
