Supporting breastfeeding for a healthier planet
The theme for World Breastfeeding Week 2020 is “Support breastfeeding for a healthier planet.”
Sleepy Eye Medical Center is proud to be a part of the global campaign focused on raising awareness and providing resources, counseling and support for breastfeeding moms. With the leadership and experience of Katie Bloedow, RN, Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) and Chiloe Kottke, RN, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), SEMC offers high quality, up-to-date, evidence-based practices in lactation care and services to new mothers and infants.
“Studies show that mothers who receive breastfeeding support breastfeed longer, which, in turn, leads to healthier babies and moms,” said Chiloe Kottke, RN, IBCLC at SEMC. “Our all-encompassing breastfeeding program works with mothers before the birth of their child, shortly after delivery and in the weeks and months to follow.”
Prenatal lactation counseling is offered by appointment, Monday-Friday, by Kottke. A 45-minute, one-on-one session is included in the obstetrical package offered by SEMC and covered by most insurance programs.
“The initial prenatal lactation counseling session is tailored to each mom, based on her needs and experience level,” said Kottke. “We cover the benefits of breastfeeding, what to expect in the hospital and breastfeeding at home with the new baby.”
According to Kottke, both baby and mother experience benefits from breastfeeding.
“For the baby, breast milk is easier to digest and rich in nutrients and antibodies that help fight disease. Breastfeeding also saves money and is good for the mother’s health, reducing the risk for type 2 diabetes, breast cancer and postpartum depression.”
Once a mother delivers her baby at SEMC, she has the opportunity to meet with Kottke or Bloedow again for a post-delivery lactation visit while still in the hospital. Additional one-on-one counseling following this meeting is handled on a case-by-case basis.
Kottke noted that, according to the CDC, four out of five U.S. moms start breastfeeding, suggesting that most new moms are interested in breastfeeding. However, within three months, only 47% percent of mothers exclusively nurse their babies. And by six months, just 25% percent of women exclusively breastfeed their infants.
“We understand that breastfeeding is a mother’s choice, and we respect whatever choice a mother makes when it comes to feeding her baby. We also want to make sure we are doing everything we possibly can to support those mothers who are interested in breastfeeding,” said Kottke. “Having support and resources can make it easier to not only begin breastfeeding but also continue, if that is a mother’s goal.”
To provide ongoing support for breastfeeding moms in the weeks and months following birth, Sleepy Eye Medical Center offers a Breastfeeding Support Group. Pregnant moms are also welcome and encouraged to attend. Some concerns addressed during support group gatherings include milk supply, teething, breastfeeding and returning to work, pumping and more. Meetings are facilitated by Kottke but driven by the conversations initiated by mothers. Normally, the group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Lower Level of Sleepy Eye Medical Center. However, amidst the pandemic, in-person meetings have been put on hold. Virtual support and resources are now available via SEMC’s new breastfeeding support Facebook group. Interested moms or moms-to-be may request access to the group by searching for “SEMC Breastfeeding Support Group” on Facebook.
To learn more about SEMC’s breastfeeding services, contact Chiloe Kottke, RN, IBCLC, at 507-794-8456 or [email protected].