McLaren Bay Region has expanded their support offerings for breastfeeding mothers.
Though lactation support services have been offered at the hospital for many years, increased demand has led the McLaren Bay Region Family BirthPlace to dedicate more resources to the program, including more hours available for appointments and a dedicated space for meetings.
The clinic is run by Rebecca Morgan, RN, a Board Certified Lactation Consultant of almost 14 years, providing an opportunity for patients to schedule appointments at their convenience for one-on-one consultations. The clinic accepts most insurances, and no one is turned away because of inability to pay.
“For some new moms, breastfeeding can be challenging and overwhelming in the beginning,” Morgan said. “Many new mothers discontinue breastfeeding in the first days and weeks due to exhaustion or minor complications that may be easily remedied if addressed early on.”
Why Breastfeed? Studies have shown the following benefits:
• Breastmilk provides the best start in life from priming a newborn’s immune system to promoting absorption of important vitamins and minerals essential to optimal growth and development.
• Breastfeeding facilitates maternal-infant bonding and social interaction, which help baby accomplish life’s first developmental stage – trust.
• Breastfeeding exclusively for 6 months has shown a 73% reduction in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
• Important long-term benefits include a significant reduction in the risk for autoimmune diseases: Asthma, Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis, Celiac, Leukemia, Multiple Sclerosis and Type 1 Diabetes.
• Breastfeeding moms have a decreased risk of postpartum depression
Morgan says the first few days after birth are critical to breastfeeding success, and it’s important for moms to feel supported. The goal of a visit to the outpatient Lactation Clinic is to have a second set of eyes review the process and determine what is going well, while also determining what adjustments may make it more comfortable and effective.
“Newborn weight loss typically peaks around three days postpartum,” Morgan said. “During a lactation consult, we may weigh the baby before and after feeding for an accurate assessment of the baby’s intake. The weight, as well as other information obtained during a visit, helps us make recommendations based on the individual needs of each mother and baby.”
Morgan’s main goal is for moms to not feel alone in their breastfeeding journey. “Our goal is to empower breastfeeding mothers and provide tools and tips to optimize their success, setting the stage for breastfeeding to be an enjoyable experience,” Morgan said.
To make an appointment with McLaren Bay Region’s Outpatient Lactation Clinic, call 989-894-3935 or email rebecca.morgan@mclaren.org.