LACTATION SUPPORT GROUP
Breastfeeding is one of the best things a mother can give their baby.
Every mom and baby is different, and the breastfeeding journey is unique. When learning throughout the journey, the more a mother learns before their baby's birth, the better prepared they will be. Having support along the way can help make breastfeeding easier. Before the baby arrives, the mother has to set breastfeeding goals
HOW DOES OLMC SUPPORT BREASTFEEDING?
Breastfeeding is a priority in the OLMC program. We know just how challenging breastfeeding can be, and we are dedicated to supporting the mother in her breastfeeding journey. To help moms breastfeed successfully, we offer nutritious foods, nutrition education and breastfeeding counseling, as well as referrals to other health and social services. This help may include peer counselor support, and other supplies.
Breastfeeding is a journey with ups and downs. During those first few days and weeks, it may feel like there are more downs than ups. It will get easier with time and practice! The key is to know what to expect and to get help when you need it. The OLMC breastfeeding expert is trained to help the mother overcome breastfeeding challenges they face.
HOW MUCH MILK DOES MY BABY NEED?
Babies' tummies are tiny. It doesn't take much to fill the baby up, but mothers need to feed their newborn baby a lot: 8-12 times in a 24-hour period. Feeding the baby that often, will be good for the baby. It will also tell the body of the mother to keep making milk.
How do you know if your baby is getting enough milk? One of the easiest signs is to pay attention to what's coming out the other end. The color, texture, and frequency of poops and wet diapers will tell you a lot. Other signs that your baby is getting enough milk may include:
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Your baby is satisfied and content after feedings.
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Your breasts may feel softer after feedings.
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Your baby breastfeeds at least 8 to 12 times every 24 hours, including at night.
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Your baby is gaining weight.
How much milk the baby needs will change as baby grows, and the body of the mother will adjust to those changes. If the baby has a growth spurt, the baby might want to nurse more often or for longer periods of time. The body of the mother will adjust to that, too.
The important thing is to nurse as long and as often as the baby wants and to let the baby eat until full.
Breastfeeding Benefits for Moms & Babies
Offering education about the many benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and babies is part of our support efforts. When deciding how to nourish your child, consider the advantages that come with breast milk:
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Perfect for baby: Breast milk contains all the nutrients your growing baby needs, is the easiest form of nutrition for him or her to digest and is always just the right temperature.
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Breastfeeding is the healthiest choice for your child, as well as the most convenient and economical.
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Fewer, shorter periods of sickness: Research shows breastfed infants have fewer and shorter episodes of illness.
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Mother-child bonding: The skin-to-skin contact associated with breastfeeding promotes bonding.
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Viral, bacterial defense: Breastfeeding helps your baby’s immune system defend against most viral and bacterial infections.
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Illness prevention: Breast milk aids in preventing the development of illnesses like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel syndrome, asthma and childhood cancers.
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Weight loss aid for mother: Breastfeeding can increase a mother's rate of weight loss and helps the uterus return to its normal size.
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Cancer risk reduction: Women who breastfeed reduce their risk of developing ovarian cancer, premenopausal breast cancer, osteoporosis and anemia.
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Our Outpatient Breastfeeding Group is basically, focused on any person in the community that needs breastfeeding/lactation support. We provide instruction on how to answer the most common breastfeeding/lactation questions that a family will have throughout the course of lactation, into toddlerhood and beyond.
