Lactation consultants at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center help new moms succeed in breastfeeding

For babies, breast milk is more than sustenance. It provides them with the complete nutrition they need, protects them from digestive problems and gives them immunity to various illnesses. It also reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome and childhood obesity. For mom, it decreases the risk of female cancers, increases bonding with their child, helps them lose weight and doesn’t cost a dime.

Yet for something so natural, breast milk feeding doesn’t always come naturally. That’s where lactation consultants come in. Lactation consultants receive specialized education and training to assist mothers with establishing and sustaining breastfeeding, even in the midst of difficulties or medical conditions that might otherwise derail the effort.

For lactation consultants, that term — breast milk feeding — is often preferable to breastfeeding. “A lot of moms these days prefer to be an exclusive pumper instead of latching,” explained Ashley Lessman, nurse educator and Lactation Program coordinator at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center in Bern Township. “We just talk to them about what their choices are and educate them appropriately.”

Support before and after birth

Lessman says about 90% of the patients she sees are postnatal and 10% are prenatal. Before their baby is born, moms can talk over medical concerns ahead of breastfeeding, like how any kind of breast surgery, polycystic ovary syndrome, endocrine issue, thyroid issue or gestational diabetes, for example, might affect breastfeeding.

While early education is key to providing a foundation of support for future breastfeeding, lactation consultants really step up to the plate once the baby arrives.

After birth, lactation consultants help patients develop a feeding plan, follow up with phone calls and host on-site support groups to help moms build a community and maintain successful breast milk feeding.

Breast milk feeding basics

One familiar roadblock new mothers face is emotional: fear.

“A good number of moms think that breastfeeding is painful throughout their whole breastfeeding journey,” said Lessman. In reality, she says any discomfort should only last a week at most. Ongoing pain is not normal, and women should call their doctor if they experience any symptoms, including pain, swelling, warmth or redness in the breast, or a fever. “People think you have to tough it out to breastfeed, but in reality, you shouldn’t, because there’s a reason why it hurts, and we should get to the bottom of that,” said Lessman.

In the first hours and days of breastfeeding, mothers often worry their infant isn’t getting enough to eat. Tara Schmid, nurse educator and Lactation Program coordinator at St. Joseph Medical Center, offers three easy ways to know your baby is getting enough:

1. When your baby is feeding at the breast, listen for swallowing sounds. “That swallowing lets you know that milk is being transferred,” Schmid said.
2. Count wet and soiled diapers. “The rule of thumb is to have one wet and one poopy diaper per baby’s day of life during the first week,” she said. For example, a three-day-old baby should have a minimum of three wet and three soiled diapers.
3. Is the baby gaining weight? In the hospital, babies can actually lose up to 10% of their body weight but should be back to their birth weight or higher within one to two weeks.

Another concern is breast engorgement, which can make latching difficult. “We do recommend that moms soften their breast tissue by hand or add a few minutes of pumping to remove some milk,” said Schmid. This also reduces the risk of getting a breast infection. These best practices are just a starting point of what a lactation consultant can offer to support new moms.

Helping moms succeed

All expecting and nursing moms, whether or not they gave birth at the Breidegam Family Birthing Center at St. Joseph Medical Center, are welcome to learn about the joys and challenges of breastfeeding at the free Baby Bistro Support Group at St. Joseph Medical Center. Schmid, Lessman and others lead these sessions three times per month, which include a Spanish interpreter if given advance notice. “We get very attached to each other and have a really good time,” said Schmid. They even set up birthday parties for when babies in the group turn one.

Schmid encourages moms to join their Facebook group for meeting places and updates (the group is called “Penn State Health St. Joseph Baby Bistro”) or, if they don’t use Facebook, call or text her or Lessman at 484 955 5524 or 610 217 1728, respectively.

Free prenatal breastfeeding seminars are available for St. Joseph Medical Center patients, and breastfeeding and birthing classes for the community are also available at both St. Joseph Medical Center and Penn State Health Children’s Hospital in Hershey.

Both Lessman and Schmid are International Board Certified Lactation Consultants and well equipped to give moms the support and knowledge they need to overcome nearly any hurdle.

“Breastfeeding is simple, but it’s not always easy,” said Lessman. “Don’t be afraid to reach out and get assistance.”

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