Breastfeeding Support from Beginning to End [Sian Dill]

How did the staff support your decision to breastfeed?

While we were in the hospital, we received resources as to how we can support our breastfeeding journey.

All of the nurses are very, well versed in breastfeeding and best practices. And the lactation consultants are very accessible. You can come in and do weighed feedings and makes it easy, so you don't have to try to, you know, call and make an appointment.

I had no expectation. I had no idea what to expect in going into breastfeeding the first time I delivered. And they were really good about coming in and helping me, kind of, navigate what that's like. And how to help adjust the way your baby's feeding to make sure they're getting the most out of it. And doing the least amount of damage and pain to you at the same time. So I was really grateful for that.

How did the staff continue support after leaving the hospital?

It goes well beyond those few days that you're in the hospital because they have the Baby Café. And that's a weekly meeting group for moms who breastfeed.

Another thing that I've found that is not very common that hospitals do is the 3-day weighed feeding after you leave the hospital, come back in and you do a weighed feeding. And I think that that's really important in just making sure that everything is going smoothly with those first few days.

It wasn't just a matter of fixing it and leaving. It was helping equip you for when you are not going to have three nurses watching you, your baby and your husband, right? That you can leave and know that you're gonna be able to support yourself.

How does the New Beginnings Baby Café support mothers at every stage of breastfeeding?

Each child is so different. So some may struggle with latching on and stuff. And I think the staff being able to support not only you, but your child and make sure they're getting the best out of it as well. And teaching you and showing you like, you know, "Maybe you should try a different approach to the way you hold your child." Or, "Here's how you can help your child latch on better."

It's great because it doesn't just include moms who are struggling with breastfeeding. It also includes everything in between from latching to weaning. So I feel that Brookings Health System supports every mom, no matter where they are in their journey of breastfeeding from beginning to end.

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