Blue Cross Blue Shield Vermont: The most important baby gift...from mom

The Most Important Baby Gift...From Mom

Thinking about gifts for your new baby? How about giving your child a higher I.Q.? Or natural immunity from disease? A reduced risk of developing cancer, diabetes, allergies, pneumonia and ear infections? These are but a few of the gifts you can give your child if you decide to breastfeed.

Human milk is the only perfect food for human infants. Year after year, more studies show benefits in breast milk that cannot be recreated using an artificial formula.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently urged mothers to breastfeed for a year or longer. The Academy stated that breast milk (with no supplementary solid foods) is enough for your baby's first four to six months.

Dr. Wendy Davis, president of the Vermont chapter of the AAP, says "We are currently working with the Vermont Department of Health to increase the number of people who breastfeed in the state, along with the duration of time they breastfeed."

"It is the best form of feeding infants," Davis explains.

If you breastfeed, your baby will most likely have:

fewer respiratory and gastrointestinal infections
higher scores on neurological development tests
a lower risk of allergies and fewer problems from any allergies that do develop
a lower risk of adult intestinal disorders, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease

New studies show that breastfed babies also have a lowered risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

When you're hesitant to try

Women have many reasons for choosing not to breastfeed--some of them good and all of them understandable. But think hard and be sure you have complete information before denying your baby the benefits of breastfeeding. As always, consult your physician with any specific questions or concerns.

Concerned about restrictions on your diet?
You may be surprised to find out that most breastfeeding women can eat just about anything. Of course, it is best when breastfeeding to eat a variety of foods as close to their original sources as possible. But that's good advice for all of us.

Nursing moms can take many medications too. Even birth control pills can be O.K., as long as your provider knows you're nursing and you need a progestin-only pill.

While physicians advise women not to drink at all during pregnancy, they may drink in moderation while breastfeeding (though more than two drinks in a 24-hour period may cause problems). Even if you smoke (less than a pack a day), you don't have to give up breastfeeding (although, for a multitude of other reasons, you should quit smoking).

Going back to work?
With a breast pump and as few as two 15-minute breaks per day, you can continue to feed your baby while working full-time. You can buy a breast pump or rent one. (Some lactation consultants and medical supply stores rent pumps. Children's clothing and supply stores often sell them. Talk to your pediatrician about where to get a pump.)

Many employers now provide space for women to express milk. If yours doesn't, consider advocating a new policy. Many employers become highly motivated when they consider the fact that breastfed babies get sick far less often, causing breastfeeding moms to miss fewer days of work. Even if you have a job that keeps you on the road, you can express milk with the help of a pump equipped with a car lighter adapter.

Afraid baby won't get enough milk?
Many women see breastfed babies feeding frequently and assume they're not getting full enough. Most often, frequent feedings aren't a reason to add formula to a baby's diet. Let the baby nurse often. Increased feedings will build your milk supply.

Feeling uncomfortable?
Just remember: breasts were made to feed babies. Everything else we attribute to them is secondary. Don't let societal taboos keep you from giving your baby the best start in life.

How to prepare

If you're currently pregnant, prepare for breastfeeding now, before the baby is born. You may have to learn breastfeeding, especially if you don't have friends or family members nearby to guide you through it. Though your baby will instinctively know about feeding, you will have to help him or her by knowing the right feeding positions and some simple "troubleshooting" guidelines.

Knowing what to expect can improve your chances of success at nursing. For example:

It's best for baby to nurse within the first hour of life. Your hospital delivery room staff should help you do this if you let them know that you want to feed your baby naturally.

You should know that babies feed very frequently at first--about once every two to three hours and sometimes even more frequently. Frequent feedings shouldn't lead you to supplement with formula or give up breastfeeding. Let your baby nurse often; this will build your milk supply.

You may want to avoid pacifiers or other artificial nipples while your baby is learning to breastfeed. Your baby's sucking instinct will help encourage him or her to nurse.

If you're worried about your baby getting enough milk, check with his or her pediatrician. (Usually wet diapers, frequent stooling and good weight gain are indicators of getting enough milk.) Don't rush to supplement with formula until you check with a doctor about other options for making sure the baby isn't hungry.

These are only a few of the important facts that can help you breastfeed. Discuss breastfeeding now with your OB-GYN and your baby's pediatrician, if you've scheduled a prenatal visit. These practitioners can help you prepare.

You may also want to attend a La Leche League meeting. (Click the link for a list of local groups and phone numbers.) This group helps mothers interested in breastfeeding support each other. It also allows women with young children to build useful networks and sometimes close friendships with women in similar circumstances.

Mary Bibb, a leader of the Jericho group of La Leche League, says "pregnant women are welcome and encouraged to attend. It's important to have information and support before the birth of your child. It helps to see how other babies behave at meetings, too. Some of the babies are active; some are calm. Some nurse all the time during the meeting; some don't nurse at all," she notes. Bibb says watching the variety of infant behavior can prepare you for the realities of nursing and mothering in general.

"It also helps to know someone beforehand that you can call if you have problems with breastfeeding the first few weeks," Bibb explained.

Resources available to you

If you're a member of BCBSVT's Better Beginnings program, you can receive help with breastfeeding during post-natal skilled nursing visits covered by the program. Most maternal infant nurses are trained in breastfeeding support. Some are certified lactation consultants.

A number of certified lactation consultants (certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners) serve various regions of Vermont. Although your health plan does not normally cover services by these professionals, they provide valuable support and advice to many women at reasonable fees. Some lactation consultants rent or sell breast pumps and other breastfeeding equipment.

You may find a lactation consultant by contacting the Vermont Department of Health in your area. Some counties provide free lactation consultation services through programs such as "Success by Six." Some visiting nurse agencies have lactation consultations on staff as well. Talk to your OB-GYN or pediatrician and ask him or her for the name of a consultant.

Vermont is host to a number of La Leche League chapters. Membership is free and will put you in contact with League Leaders and other nursing mothers who can provide you with information and advice about breastfeeding.