Celebrate World Breastfeeding Month with Tips from Kaiser Permanente Lactation Experts

LANCASTER, CA – August is World Breastfeeding Awareness Month, lactation experts want to highlight the advantages of breastfeeding for both mothers and babies, while also providing guidance on how to overcome common challenges.

“For babies, breastfeeding benefits are lower risk of asthma, allergies, eczema, colic, constipation, ear infections, diabetes, obesity, cancer, and sudden infant death,” said Jamie Hoeft, RN and lactation consultant with Kaiser Permanente in Lancaster. “For moms, the benefits are that it reduces her risk of breast, ovarian, uterine cancer, osteoporosis, anemia, High blood pressure and postpartum depression. An added benefit is the mother can burn more calories; she can burns 400 to 500 calories a day breastfeeding."

With medical evidence pointing to breastfeeding as the optimal source of nutrition for infants, why do so many mothers struggle to make it work? Hoeft says some of the biggest obstacles revolve around proper latching and positioning techniques and as well as anxieties over a mother’s milk supply.

“I think the biggest challenges are difficulty latching, sore nipples, as well as concerns about the mother’s milk production,” she explained. To establish a healthy milk supply, Hoeft advises new mothers to do a lot of “skin-to-skin, breastfeed early and often and seek help when she can if she feels that the baby's not getting enough, or mother is having latching challenges.”

Kaiser Permanente offers free lactation consulting services for members to help troubleshoot breastfeeding problems, including telephone and in-person visits. Lori Nolan, RN, lactation consultant with Kaiser Permanente, recommends attending a prenatal breastfeeding class to gain techniques and knowledge before the birth of the baby.

Returning to work is another pressure point that can cut breastfeeding short. Planning ahead is key, whether through utilizing lactation rooms, having a good breast pump, proper use of pumps and milk storage guidelines, as well as timing feedings around work schedules.

“Kaiser Lactation team collaborates with Pediatrics, Obstetrics, AV Medical Center, WIC and also Antelope Valley Partners for Health to help moms the best that we can with breastfeeding,” said Nolan. Kaiser and community support systems can make all the difference. Kaiser Permanente Antelope Valley also has a virtual weekly support group called “Mother/Baby Café Support Group”.

Breastfeeding while working does require determination to overcome logistical hurdles. But as Nolan observes, “Statistics show that if they do come to the breastfeeding class, they have a higher success rate of longevity of breastfeeding.” Education and commitment enable longer-term results.

For those needing more resources, visit kp.org to access breastfeeding classes, lactation support services, online support groups, and more from Kaiser Permanente. Investing in your breastfeeding knowledge and community can help you overcome the hurdles.