Breastfeeding your baby

How you feed your newborn is a personal choice. However, experts agree that breastfeeding is best. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding, starting as soon as possible after delivery, for at least 6 months and ideally continuing for at least one year.

The longer and more exclusively a mother breastfeeds her baby, the greater the health benefits they both receive.

Babies receive many benefits from breastfeeding. Breastfed babies are less likely to have weight problems later in life, and have fewer allergies and illnesses. Breast is best.

Even if you can only breastfeed your baby for a few days or weeks, the milk that your baby receives from your body will make him or her healthier.

We want to help you and your baby get off to a good start. It’s not always easy to breastfeed. In fact, for some women it can be quite difficult. Breastfeeding is an art that both you and your baby will need some time and effort to perfect.

We are here to help.

After the birth of your baby, our nurses will help get you started with breastfeeding. Although you have breasts and your baby has an instinct to suck, it takes a little learning and experience to get the two of you latched together.

Ongoing breastfeeding support is available from your provider, the nurses in First Impressions (just call us! 541-296-7210), or you can seek help from another lactation specialist or support group. Common topics include latching your baby, positioning, milk supply and pumping and storing your breast milk.

The lactation specialists in Hood River County are:

Jennifer McCauley, RN, IBCLC (541) 387-6344 - Providence Family Birth Center

Ellen Mallon RN, IBCLC (541) 387-7131 - County Health Department

In Klickitat County:

Barbara Kuhlman, RN, IBCLC 509-493-1558

In Wasco/Sherman County:

Ann Marie Becker, NP 541-296-7210

Lori Trichel, RN 541-506-2600

Further Sources for Support and Information:

Nursing Mother's Council, Portland, OR (Bilingual Spanish)- 503-282-3338 www.nursingmotherscounsel.org

La Leche League, Portland, OR- 503-282-9377 www.lalecheleague.org

We encourage our patients to either register for the breastfeeding class or schedule a consult with one of the lactation specialists.

Breast Pumps

Many, if not most, new mothers will benefit from having a good breast pump. A breast pump can:

• Help establish a good milk supply.

• Provide your milk to a newborn who might not be able to suck.

• Help a mother whose nipples are flat or inverted.

• Provide a means of obtaining and storing breast milk once your supply is well established.

Many health insurance companies will now pay for you to have an electric breast pump (they know they’ll save money in the long run since mothers and babies who breastfeed are healthier!).

Call your insurance company and find out if you need a prescription from us to obtain your pump. We’ll be more than happy to help.