Feeding Your Baby: A Lactation Consultant’s Perspective
As new parents, one of the most important decisions you will make for your child is deciding how to feed them. At Conway Medical Center, we pride ourselves in providing the most up-to-date, evidence-based information and providing your infant with the best nutrition is a goal we want to help you achieve. Laura Baisch, RN, IBCLC and Kathryn Gill, RN, IBCLC with the BirthPlace at Conway Medical Center understand the importance of early education and support for parents so we can help you make the best, most informed choice for you and your baby.
“Breastfeeding is such a healthy, natural choice but it’s a new skill for babies and first-time moms,” says Kathryn. “Some moms just need that extra bit of support and education to feel empowered to meet their breastfeeding goals and that’s what we are here to help with!”
Breast Milk
Breast milk is considered the gold standard for infant nutrition. It contains a unique blend of nutrients, antibodies, and essential factors for your baby’s growth and development. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization both recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of your infants life.
“Initiating a good foundation early, with the help of our lactation consultants and nursing staff, you will be able to help provide your newborn with the life-giving nutrients your baby needs,” encourages Laura. “Breast milk is the perfect food for babies and it provides all the nutrients they need to grow and develop in the early stages of life.”
Nutritional Content
Breast milk is a dynamic substance that adapts to the changing needs of a growing baby. It contains a perfect balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and antibodies that are crucial for a baby’s developing immune system. Breast milk contains vital antibodies that help protect your baby from infections.
As Laura states, “It is basically their protection from infection on the outside. Human milk has evolved, as we have over the years, to continue to be the perfect food for babies. It provides the nutrition to build our more complex brains and unique digestive and immune systems. A mother’s breast milk contains exactly what her infant needs at each stage of her baby’s develop.”
Practical Considerations
Breastfeeding can be a challenge for some mothers due to various reasons such as latch issues, low milk supply, or returning to work. But Laura pointed out that breastfeeding has a lot of conveniences too.
“In addition to the reduced instances of infection, which means less hospital visits, breastfeeding is free and has less impact on your purse. Studies have shown that it will also save you time and sleep at night. When you get up at night to feed, you won’t be spending time making a bottle and then cleaning that bottle which means you’ll be getting back to sleep faster and getting extra rest each night.”
“Yes, it’s a time saver in general because you’re cutting out all the bottle preparation, the cleaning and sanitizing,” Kathryn weighs in. “Also, your breast milk is always the right temperature, and it introduces your baby to new flavors as the food you eat flavors your milk so your baby experiences new tastes at every feeding.”
CMC Lactation Consultants Are Here For You
Breast milk is the optimal choice for infant nutrition due to its unique composition and health benefits, we understand that at times breastfeeding can be challenging, that is why we want you to know that our lactation consultants and counselors are here for you. At the BirthPlace at Conway Medical Center, we provide free Childbirth and Breastfeeding classes to help support you on your journey. We have full-time lactation support 7 days a week and we provide free outpatient lactation consultations after discharge, should you have any challenges or concerns.
Contact Us
Laura Baisch, BSN, RN, IBCLC
Lactation Consultant
843-234-5037
laura.baisch@cmc-sc.com
Kathryn Gill, RN, RNC-OB, IBCLC, CBC, CLC
Lactation Consultant
843-234-5037
kathryn.gill@cmc-sc.com
Interested in learning more about breastfeeding?
Join us for one of our free breastfeeding classes and receive a free guide book.
