Working with pregnant and breastfeeding families for 40 years, I’m passionate about women’s health and empowering women.
The woman’s body is amazing, providing the perfect recipe for milk for their babies. Humans produce milk for human babies, which makes it the best for feeding our little ones while providing benefits for both mom and baby.
Benefits of Mother’s Breast Milk
Our practice relies on evidence-based research that strongly supports the newborn health benefits of breastfeeding. Breastmilk is proven as the best for preterm infants and the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
The benefits for moms include faster weight loss in the postpartum period since she burns 500 calories a day by producing milk for her baby. The risk for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure decreases for a mom’s lifetime risk if she ever breastfeeds a child.
Breastfeeding creates a special bond between mom and baby for which a price tag cannot be placed. It is known that “happy” hormones are released during this bonding time.
Another benefit of breastfeeding is the cost savings and no need to warm breast milk-like formula at 3 am. The formula is also harder on the baby’s gastrointestinal tract. All the above reasons are why breast milk is often called “liquid gold.”
Breastfeeding sends immunities to babies, so during Covid, we encouraged all our moms to breastfeed. The American College of Pediatrics recommends breast milk through the first year of life for all these reasons.
Advise Caution with Weight Loss Drugs
I want to warn expecting and new moms about taking weight loss drugs, such as Ozempic, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
We recommend that patients wait at least two months before becoming pregnant due to the limited studies done on these drugs based on some limited animal studies. Due to the molecular weight, the amount of drug that passes through the milk is likely low, so the risk of passing to the baby through milk may be lower.
Our recommendation to breastfeeding moms is to avoid these drugs while breastfeeding until more studies have been developed. Be sure to remind moms that breastfeeding burns 500 calories, equating to weight loss in the postpartum period.
Choosing a Breast Pump
Breast pumps can be overwhelming when it comes time to choose one. A mom’s and baby’s needs change throughout their breastfeeding journey, so I recommend a pump that can adapt to those changes. Luckily most insurance companies will cover a breast pump.
The best time for moms to start thinking about choosing a breast pump is around 32 weeks of pregnancy. Ideally, an appointment with a lactation consultant for a prenatal breastfeeding consult can help with those choices. I have a sample in my office to show moms what they are all about and help them make an informed choice.
Keep in mind moms returning to work or those who have busy schedules need to bring their pumps with them, so one that has a rechargeable battery is a great option. They don’t need to be attached to a plug if they want to pump.
Some pumps have a handle, making them easy to carry around. Some have night lights which may be a good option for some moms. There are single manual pumps and double electric. The double electric means both sides are pumped during a pumping session which is important since it stimulates both breasts. It has been shown to get 18% more milk by pumping both breasts simultaneously, with higher fat and calorie content.
Most pumps are designed with two modes of expression to mimic the baby’s natural sucking behavior. The first mode is the short, fast sucks to stimulate the let down reflex. The second mode is a slower, stronger sucking. Most pumps come with two flange sizes, and it would be helpful to see a lactation consultant to have a flange fitting after delivery since the nipple and breast change sizes at that time. The proper fitting flange is essential for comfort and efficient milk production. Different size flanges can be purchased with inserts that customize the flange to nipple size.
Consider recommending moms add a silicone hand pump to their shower wish list. Silicone pumps are handy and easy to use. The Haaka is a brand name, but any generic works the same. They can be used to put on one breast while feeding on the other side to collect the milk that drips while nursing. The amount can be over an ounce of “liquid gold’ collected and then saved and labeled in a freezer bag.
Another great wish list item is a hands-free pumping bra. They are comfortable and reasonable in price. The flange slides into the bra so moms can be hands-free with their double electric pump.
Benefits of Hands-Free Pumps
Hands-free pumps (Elvie Stride, Mom Cozy) have had mixed reviews from moms. They are costly but convenient. They are hands-free and go in the bra, so moms can do things while pumping. They are small, and each has a collection reservoir built into the pump. They are convenient if moms have a job where they work at a computer or desk and want to pump while they continue to work. Some moms say the suction is less effective than the double electric pumps, but they work well for their work environment.
Time and Space for Breastfeeding Journey
Encourage moms to check out the laws for having time and space (not a bathroom) to pump if they work for a company with 50 or more employees. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) states, “Most nursing employees have the right to reasonable break time and a place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view to express breast milk while at work.”
Remind new moms to stay calm during their breastfeeding journey. It’s an exciting time, and they can reach out for help. Moms should feel confident they are giving their baby an amazing gift. Most importantly, they must enjoy time with their baby because time goes quickly, and they will support their growing families before they know it.
- Tips for Helping Moms During Their Breastfeeding Journey - August 8, 2023