Why Breastfeed?
Things to Know for the Uncertain Mother-to-Be
With work and family expectations and sleep already at a short supply, breastfeeding can feel like a daunting task. In fact, it’s so challenging that most mothers do not breastfeed exclusively for the first six months, even though that is the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation.
Many factors can cause hurdles that prevent mothers from reaching that goal. According to the Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding, those factors may include lack of knowledge, social norms, a lack of family and social support, embarrassment, lactation problems, employment and child care, or a lack of access to health services.
So Why Breastfeed?
With so many challenges, why should mothers choose breastfeeding over feeding infant formula?
The CDC estimates that the low rate of breastfeeding adds more than $3 billion in medical costs in the United States.
According to the CDC, breastfeeding benefits mom and baby alike:
Babies who breastfeed have lower risks for:
- Asthma
- Obesity
- Type 1 diabetes
- Severe lower respiratory disease
- Acute ear infections
- Sudden infant death syndrome
- Gastrointestinal infections (diarrhea/vomiting)
Mothers who breastfeed have lower risks for:
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Ovarian and breast cancers
Clearly, there’s a lot of benefit to breastfeeding. But with so many life challenges, how can moms prepare to overcome the barriers?
How to Overcome the Barriers
ETSU Health Director of Lactation Services Gloria Dudney is here to offer a few tips to help mothers-to-be who are searching for ways to make this seemingly daunting task doable.
Plan Before Birth
- Know Your Workplace or School Policies. Take some time to speak to HR about your goals for breastfeeding, and how your company
can help support you. Discuss having a private, comfortable place to pump and access
to clean, running water. For more tips, visit WIC Breastfeeding Support.
“As with any new skill, the more you can prepare for it, the more confident you will be when the moment arrives.”
Gloria Dudney, RN, IBCLC, RLC
- Get Support from a Partner or Friend. Breastfeeding is a team sport. Every mom needs physical and emotional support through the journey. Talk to those in your support system about the challenges you might face and let them brainstorm with you ways that they can come alongside you.
- Have a Backup Plan. Breastfeeding exclusively for six months will likely mean that there are times in your schedule where you and baby won’t be together at feeding time. Think through backup plans of when you’ll need to pump, how to safely store your milk, and what supplies you’ll need to make that happen. Remember that breastfeeding doesn’t have to happen at the breast.
Know that Help is Available
If you’re overwhelmed, confused, or nervous — that’s perfectly normal! Many mothers feel that way as they prepare to breastfeed, sometimes even when it’s their second child. The challenges you’ll face are real. That’s why there are resources available to help, including Lactation Consultants.
At ETSU Health’s Regional Lactation Referral Center, a lactation consultant will review your medical history, help you to explore your infant feeding options, and develop a plan for the early days and weeks after delivery that is tailored to you and your needs.
“When patients leave my office, my goal is – they are not afraid. They are empowered
to tackle the rest of their pregnancy, to tackle that transition from pregnancy to
parenting.”
Many insurance plans provide coverage for this service. In June 2023, the state of Tennessee added coverage for medically appropriate lactation services from in-network providers for patients with TennCare Medicaid, CoverKids or TennCareSelect.
The Tennessee Department of Health has several resources available for mothers. Mothers can find community support groups, advocacy groups, and locate breastfeeding friendly businesses to breastfeed or express milk.
Talk about Your Fears
The disconnect between what mothers are told they should do and the reality of life is a source of guilt and angst for many. Talk through your fears. You are not alone!
There are wonderful mother-to-mother groups, and patients can receive great support from health departments. Have a conversation with a family member who has breastfed their child. And no matter where you receive your prenatal care or pediatric care for your newborn, you may call ETSU Health’s Regional Lactation Referral Center to schedule a lactation consultation.
“Breastfeeding is a natural bridge between pregnancy and parenting. It can be scary.
It can be like a suspended bridge. People need help, and they need information. They
need reassurance and cheerleaders. That’s what I do, is provide information to help
families cross that bridge from pregnancy to parenting with as little trauma as possible
and as much compassion as possible.”
