Low Milk Supply and Breastfeeding

Phillips Innovations In Women's Health posted the following on Linkedin..

How can we help parents to breastfeed for as long as possible?
A recent survey found that 90% of mothers breastfed their babies for up to 4-6 months. Nevertheless, forty-five percent was not able to extend breastfeeding past six months, although 72% wanted to breastfeed longer than they did. The primary reasons women cited for stopping breastfeeding were lack of milk supply and pain. (http://bit.ly/tnA17Z)

Within the same survey, lack of milk supply was also cited as a reason for stopping breastfeeding by 67% of Americans vs. 40% of women globally.

Any thoughts on the reasons for this? How can we help mothers to overcome obstacles they face in breastfeeding?

We know the many health benefits of breastfeeding, and it seems like parents’ desire to breastfeed their babies is strong. How can we help mothers to breastfeed their babies for as long as possible? What resources do you direct parents to? When advising parents on these resources, do you take into account the recent IRS ruling that breast pumps are now a deductible medical expense?

As a Board Certified Lactation Consultant my answer is:
Education before the baby its born and support after the baby is born.
Understanding the beauty of the human body and the wisdom of the newborn baby, a mother can release many fears related to breastfeeding and begin to think through the what ifs. Babies are born to breastfeed, but not all do. Mothers are made to create milk in sufficient supply, but not all do. Having a Board Certified Lactation Consultant come to your home and spend time assessing the mother/baby dyad and giving guidance and follow-up until all is going well is wonderful first step towards successful breastfeeding.

Hypnobirthing® Childbirth Class Series

This is a comprehensive 5 week series of childbirth, parenting and self hypnosis education classes.
Hypnobirthing® is as much as philosophy as it is a technique. It is a rewarding, relaxing, stress-free method of birthing that is based on the belief that when a mother is properly prepared for birthing physically, mentally, and spiritually, she can experience the joy of birthing her baby in an easier, more comfortable manner.
The method is based on the belief that severe discomfort does not need to be a natural accompaniment of labor.
The aim of the program is to build confidence in the mother and for her to have confidence in her own ability to birth her baby. The philosophy of the Hypnobirthing® program is to educate the mother about the wonders of her body, to eliminate fear, as well as teach her the skills to work with the birthing process rather than fight against it. In many cases it is fear that undermines the mothers confidence in herself.
The mother is introduced to techniques of self hypnosis utilizing controlled deep breathing, visualization and imagery to produce deep relaxation.

The coach and birth partner is taught how to physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually support her throughout this wondrous journey. Extensive lectures in the birth process, birthing options and numerous self- hypnotic & relaxation techniques are taught. Other topics include: exercise, nutrition, anatomy, birth planning, c-section prevention, breastfeeding and baby care.

Location: Rockland County, NY (close to Bergen County & Westchester County)
Date & Time: February 6th – March 13th 7:00-9:30pm
For further information contact:
Pauline Nardella RN, MPA, CCE
845-323-1830
info@BirthingWisdom.com
www.BirthingWisdom.com

"Pauline's instruction in HypnoBirthing® gave me the confidence, knowledge, and calm that helped make my dream of a natural childbirth a reality. My son was almost 10 lbs, yet he came into the world drug free and nursed within minutes. All of Pauline's tips and how-to's enabled my husband to be the best coach I could ever hope for in the delivery room. We felt totally prepared and informed when the big day came. My labor was 13 1/2 hours long and I would do it again in a heartbeat."-This birth took place at Valley Hospital, Ridgewood, NJ

CNN: Is the medical community failing breast-feeding moms?

CNN: Is the medical community failing breast-feeding moms?
We need consistent education in all the health sciences, undergrad and grad school levels. So many inconsistent statements given to families regarding breastfeeding from the people they trust the most...nurses, pediatricians, obstetricians, neonatologists...the list goes on

http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/03/health/medical-breastfeeding/index.html

Breastfeeding in Public

Women of America...know your rights! You can breastfeed in public and should not be asked to go to the bathroom, the changing room, your car...or anywhere. The following is a listing of State Laws protecting women and children.

http://youcanbreastfeedhere.com/breastfeeding-laws/