How to empower new moms

It's World Breastfeeding Week and my goal is to make sure you are receiving evidence-based information. There has been a lot of buzz lately about empowerment. Empowerment of women, as athletes, as mothers, etc...When I think of empowering a new mom, as a masters prepared maternity nurse, I have to give evidence-based guidance. 

Unfortunately, much of what newly pregnant moms see on social media is not based in fact. In the past 30 years, the rumors moms believe, and ask me about, are more, and more off track. To bring moms back into the facts about things like breastmilk supply, positioning, and pumping for return to work, we have to guide moms to the sites and people who have dedicated their careers to this field. It's time to go back to the hospital for classes, and yes, bring your support person! They need to be educated as well! Your pediatrician is an excellent source and many recommend this website: https://www.healthychildren.org. 

I also recommend IBCLCs who are also nurses. They see the entire picture. Some premature babies just do not transfer enough from the breast until later, and adding pumped milk can help these younger babies to gain weight. Weighted feeds, with a scale, by an RN, IBCLC are insightful and also objective!

 Take a class from a nurse at the hospital who is also certified as an Internationally Certified Childbirth Educator, ICCE. As both an IBCLC and an ICCE myself, I know that we have to teach from a strong base of evidence. What do new mom's need? They need good info for their babies to grow healthy and strong. They need to not only get through the post partum period, they need to bond with that baby. Helping meet the mom where she is and listening to her goals will expedite her bonding and feeling of successfully feeding her baby. 

Real obstacles happen, like navigating through mastitis, yeast, supply issues, multiples and beyond. IBCLC's can be found most likely through the hospital in which you delivered. Utilize the free and helpful lactation support groups there as well! Home visits by an IBCLC and be extremely helpful and convenient.