National Nurse Practitioner Week, observed annually in November, is a time to recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions of some of our most prized healthcare workers: nurse practitioners.
These skilled professionals play a vital role in providing quality care to patients of all ages. This week, November 10-16, Hygeia is shouting praises to all nurse practitioners, especially those supporting the new moms around the world.
A Cornerstone of Healthcare
Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with specialized education and training. They are qualified to diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and provide a wide range of healthcare services.
These highly qualified healthcare providers also play a vital role in supporting pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. With their advanced education and clinical experience, they offer comprehensive care, from prenatal check-ups to postpartum support.
Prenatal & Postpartum Care
By choosing a nurse practitioner for your prenatal and postpartum care, you can be confident that you’re receiving high-quality, compassionate care.
During pregnancy, nurse practitioners provide essential care, including:
Regular check-ups: Monitoring your health and baby’s growth.
Screening for complications: Identifying potential issues early on.
Education and counseling: Offering guidance on nutrition, exercise, and emotional well-being.
The crucial role of supporting breastfeeding mothers can often be played by a nurse practitioner. They can provide valuable advice and guidance on breastfeeding techniques, milk supply, and other common postpartum challenges.
Breastfeeding support: Helping you establish a good latch and troubleshoot any issues.
Postpartum check-ups: Monitoring your physical and emotional recovery.
Mental health support: Addressing postpartum depression and anxiety.
Supporting Healthcare Heroes
Let’s take this opportunity to thank nurse practitioners for their unwavering commitment to patient care. By recognizing their contributions, we can continue to improve healthcare access and quality for all and, most especially, new and breastfeeding mothers.
Newborn cuddles and breastfeeding bliss – that’s the dream, right? The breastfeeding first week sets the stage for your journey, and it can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, mama, we’ve got your back! This guide will break down each day, offering tips and tricks for those precious early feedings.
Day 1 & 2: Colostrum Power!
Capture the Golden Hour: Your baby is going to be ready to eat upon arrival so take advantage! That first hour outside the womb is the perfect time to let baby’s natural instincts take over and find a perfect latch. Can’t take advantage of the “golden hour”? No worries. Just try to feed your baby as soon as possible.
Focus on Colostrum: In the first few days after birth, your body produces colostrum, a thick, yellowish liquid often called “liquid gold.” It may seem like a small amount, but it’s packed with antibodies to jumpstart your baby’s immune system. This “first milk” is perfectly designed for your newborn’s tiny tummy, promoting healthy gut development and even acting as a natural laxative. Learn more about colostrum in this post.
Frequent Skin-to-Skin Contact: Focus on skin-to-skin contact during these early feedings. This closeness not only helps regulate your baby’s temperature but also strengthens the emotional bond between you and your little one.
Feeding Cues: Your newborn’s feeding cues can be subtle at first, but look for signs like rooting, sucking motions, or fussiness. Aim for frequent, on-demand feedings, allowing your baby to determine how much milk they need. This frequent suckling stimulates your body to produce more milk, a process known as supply and demand.
Day 3 & 4: Latching Like a Pro
Mastering the Latch: Your nurses or the hospital Lactation Consultant may have helped you with latching initially, but you’ll want to focus on properly latching yourself. Your baby’s mouth should be wide open, with their chin and lower lip flanged out. Their tongue should be positioned over a large portion of your nipple and most of the areola.
Transitioning to milk: You will soon notice your milk begin to “come in,” which can feel full or tingly in your breasts. This is a good sign! Your body will produce a lot more milk than it did colostrum, so don’t be surprised. If you experience any pain or discomfort during feeding, don’t hesitate to seek help from a lactation consultant (IBCLC).
First outpatient appointment: You will likely have your first outpatient appointment scheduled before you even leave the hospital. Your doctor will check in on things like feedings and diaper changes, as well as baby’s measurements. This is the perfect time to address your questions and concerns.
Day 5 & 6: Finding Your Rhythm:
Feeding Routine: You’ve likely developed some type of feeding routine, but keep in mind that newborns still have small stomachs and need to eat frequently. Be prepared for 8-12 feedings or more in a 24-hour period.
Finding a Rhythm: Your feeding routine may be demanding but your body will be adjusting to its feeding duties. Your nipples should feel some relief from any initial tenderness and you should also be gaining confidence in latching. This should give you the opportunity to experiment with new feeding positions.
Hello Hormones: It’s quite possible that you’ll feel everything from sadness and overwhelm to joy in a matter of moments. It’s normal, thanks to hormones; however, postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety are also a common concern. Familiarize yourself with the signs of both and don’t be scared or ashamed to take it to your OB, MD or Lactation Consultant for the support you need.
Day 7: 1 Week!
Celebrate Your Success: You’ve conquered the first week of breastfeeding! Hopefully you’ve learned your baby’s feeding cues, mastered the latch, and established a breastfeeding routine, but if not don’t be discouraged. It’ll come soon.
Supportive Network: Having a strong support system can make all the difference. Consider connecting with a lactation consultant (IBCLC) or joining a breastfeeding support group. These professionals can offer valuable guidance on troubleshooting any challenges you may face.
Additional Support: Hygeia is also here for you! We offer a hospital-grade strength breast pump designed to mimic a baby’s natural suckling pattern for efficient milk expression.
Remember, mama, you are doing an amazing job! Breastfeeding is a beautiful and rewarding experience. By following these tips, seeking support when needed, and utilizing the right tools, you’ll be well on your way to a successful breastfeeding journey.
Breastfeeding comes naturally, but mastering it can be a whole different story. From latching to milk supply, there’s a lot to learn. In alignment with World Breastfeeding Week, we’ve put together a list of best practices for your breastfeeding journey that are applicable to all moms.
Skin-to-Skin Contact
Skin-to-skin contact, often called kangaroo care, is a powerful tool for bonding and baby’s health. This magical moment, where the baby rests on the mom’s bare chest, helps regulate the baby’s body temperature, heart rate, and breathing. It’s a natural way to soothe the baby and encourage breastfeeding. Plus, it releases those feel-good hormones for both mom and babe, strengthening the bond.
Early and Frequent Feeding
The more often you feed your baby, the better your milk supply will be. Try to feed your baby on demand, whenever they show signs of hunger. This can be challenging when it leads to regular night feeds, but bear in mind it won’t last forever.
Proper Latch
A good latch is key to comfortable breastfeeding. If you’re having trouble, a lactation consultant can help. A good latch means your baby’s mouth is open wide, with their lips flanged outward, and their chin touching your breast and it should not be painful.
Build a Support System
Having people to support you is important. This could be your partner, family, friends, or a breastfeeding support group. If you don’t have people at home with you for support, don’t make the mistake of thinking you have to go it alone. If there are no local groups, there are options for online support groups.
Take Care of Yourself
Don’t forget a key aspect of successful breastfeeding: YOU! While the baby is a priority, part of that comes with taking care of the mother’s body. It is equipped to produce the number one nutritional substance for babies: breast milk. Eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of fluids, and getting enough rest are essential for breastfeeding success.
Pumping
Not every mom has the intention to pump during her breastfeeding journey, but if you plan to pump, it’s important to find a pump that’s comfortable and efficient. Hygeia Health offers a high-quality breast pump to support your journey. The lightweight and cordless Hygeia Express travels well with hospital-grade strength and gentle comfort. Check with your insurance to see if you receive full coverage on a pump and consider taking advantage of it even if you don’t plan to pump your milk. Emergency situations, such as NICU stays, can result in a need to pump and you’ll be glad you have it.
Don’t Give Up
Breastfeeding can be a learning process. It might take some time to get the hang of it, but be patient with yourself, and don’t hesitate to seek help if you need it.
Keep in mind that every mother’s breastfeeding journey is different. What works for one mom might not work for another. The most important thing is to do what’s best for you and your baby.
Breastfeeding: it’s the way anyone can level up to supermom status, right?
While it is an amazing journey, it is completely normal to hit a few bumps in the road. The good news is no mom needs to be alone in their journey! There is a ton of support available to help moms navigate this new chapter of motherhood and empower them to thrive with breastfeeding.
In this blog post, in the spirit of World Breastfeeding Week, we will discuss the best people and places to find breastfeeding support.
Healthcare Providers
Your doctor or midwife is a great place to start for support. They may not be the experts themselves, but they can likely provide you with initial information, point you in a good direction for resources, and even refer you to lactation consultants. Remember, they deal with moms who are new to breastfeeding on a regular basis.
Lactation Consultants
Lactation consultants are specially trained professionals who can help with breastfeeding questions, problems, and general support. They are wonderful assets for assisting with latching, milk supply, and other common issues. Today, most hospitals have a lactation consultant on staff. If one does not visit you upon delivery, don’t miss out. Request that the on-staff lactation consultant visit before your stay is over.
Support Groups
A mom tends to feel less alone about her struggles when she’s able to share her experiences with others who are going through or have been through similar challenges..Support groups can be a great way to connect with other breastfeeding moms and get the encouragement needed. This can also be a great way to receive tips from moms who’ve had to tackle the same issues. La Leche League offers support groups across the country or check with your hospital, as many offer support groups. If yours does not, the lactation consultant may be aware of a local group.
Partners and Family
Your partner and family can, and hopefully will, play an important role in your breastfeeding journey. They can provide emotional support, help with household chores, and take care of older children if needed. Of course, not every mom has this kind of support at home. In this case, sometimes friend circles can become like family and set up meal trains and regular check-ins to be sure a mom has the support she needs.
Online Resources & Hygeia Health
The beauty of today’s world is that not everything has to be within driving distance to be accessible. There are many online resources available, including websites, blogs, forums, and even support groups. However, the plethora of options available can be both a blessing and a curse. An already overwhelmed mom struggling in her breastfeeding journey likely doesn’t have the fortitude to sift through endless search results. Fortunately, there are trustworthy sources for information, support, and community, such as La Leche League, Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM), Healthline and The World Health Organization (WHO).
Hygeia Health
We at Hygeia Health are on the top of the list as well! We’re here to support you in all ways. Our website offers information and resources on breastfeeding and our customer service team is available to answer your questions. We also partner with Nest Collaborative to provide virtual breastfeeding consults accessible anytime, anywhere, covered by most insurance plans at no cost to you.
Remember, you’re not alone. There are many people and resources available to help you on your breastfeeding journey. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Breastfeeding is a beautiful journey, but it’s not always easy. Many mothers face significant obstacles that can make breastfeeding challenging to sustain. This World Breastfeeding Week, we want to shed light on these struggles and obstacles and offer support. This blog post will dive into those challenges.
Physical Challenges
Sore nipples, engorgement, and mastitis–ever heard of those? These are some of the most common physical hurdles moms face. These can be incredibly painful and downright discouraging for a mom. No matter how much she understands the benefits of breastfeeding, the pain can cause a mom to want to give up or feel incapable. Lack of sleep in the early days and weeks after birth, coupled with the demands of a newborn, can further exacerbate these issues.
One of the major causes for physical challenges, though, is inadequate latching, which is often a result of a mom not being well supported after birth. This can be particularly true for a first time breastfeeding mom who doesn’t receive support from a lactation consultant. When breastfeeding support is lacking from the start, a mom can be quickly deterred.
Psychological Challenges
While the previously mentioned painful experiences of things like cracked and bleeding nipples may sound traumatic, physical challenges are often treated and managed more easily than the mental issues moms can face.
Feeling inadequate, stressed, or isolated is not an uncommon experience for breastfeeding mothers. The pressure to succeed can be overwhelming, especially when coupled with the mantra that “breastfeeding is natural”. The physical struggles coupled with the flood of hormones that follow delivery can result in postpartum depression and anxiety, which can further complicate the early breastfeeding journey.
Additionally, some moms struggle with body image concerns. Bodies obviously change through pregnancy, and, typically, they don’t simply “bounce back” to their pre-pregnancy shape, weight, and size. Living in a ‘new’ body can also lead to mental challenges for moms.
Societal and Environmental Challenges
Lack of workplace support is a major barrier for many mothers in their breastfeeding journey. Limited maternity leave, lack of lactation rooms, and negative attitudes towards breastfeeding can make it difficult for working moms to continue breastfeeding once returning to work.
Additionally, access to quality healthcare and lactation support is also crucial to breastfeeding success, and unfortunately, in many corners of the world ( even in the United States), not every mom has both or either of these things.
Other socioeconomic disparities can impact a mother’s ability to access these resources, such as income, education, geographic location, and racial/ethnic disparities. Discrimination can play a role for some, as can living in a rural or low income area.
Knowledge and Information Gaps
Misinformation about breastfeeding is prevalent. Many mothers lack the knowledge and support they need to overcome challenges and this can lead to early cessation of breastfeeding.
Hygeia Health is committed to supporting mothers on their breastfeeding journey. Our breast pumps are designed with comfort and efficiency in mind. But we know that a great breast pump is just one piece of the puzzle. We believe in providing comprehensive support, including education, resources, and community.
By understanding the challenges mothers face, we can work together to create a more supportive environment for breastfeeding. Let’s break down the barriers and continue to close the gap that will help mothers achieve their breastfeeding goals.
