BREASTFEEDING HAS LONG BEEN RECOGNIZED
for its
many benefts. Te milk produced by a new mother is rich
in nutrients and antibodies that protect her baby from ill-
ness. It contains just the right amount of fat, sugar, water
and protein to help the baby grow and is easier to digest
than formula.
While 74 percent of mothers make some attempt to
nurse their babies, less than 30 percent are still breast-
feeding at six months.
To help struggling new mothers, Beaufort Memorial
Hospital has hired an internationally board-certifed
lactation consultant for its Birthing Center.
Support and encouragement
“You think it’s instinctual,” says Maggie Mitchell, who
served as a labor and delivery nurse for six years before
earning her lactation consultant certifcation. “But some
babies don’t come out of the womb and just latch on.
Exhausted from giving birth, some moms get frustrated
and quit if they don’t get the support they need.”
Following each delivery, Mitchell will visit the new
mother to answer questions and ofer
advice on how to encourage her baby to
breastfeed.
“Half my job is building up the moth-
er’s confdence by reassuring her that
she’s doing it right,” says Mitchell, who
breastfed her baby for almost a year. “I
want to make sure they are comfortable
with it before they leave the hospital.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, the hospital period is critical for mothers and
babies to learn to breastfeed. Te federal agency has initi-
ated a number of programs to encourage hospitals to sup-
port breastfeeding mothers as part of its goal to improve
the health of mothers and their children.
Naturally nutritious
Studies have shown the chemical makeup of human
breast milk ofers a unique protection not found in for-
mula. As a result, breastfed babies have fewer ear infec-
tions and less diarrhea than babies fed with formula.
Tey also are less likely to sufer respiratory infections,
asthma, obesity and diabetes.
Mothers beneft as well. Breastfeeding is linked to a
lower risk of type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, ovarian can-
cer and postpartum depression.
Having a nurse dedicated solely to breastfeeding
increases the chances more mothers will be successful at
nursing their babies.
“I am here to promote and support breastfeeding,”
Mitchell says. “I can spend hours with a patient who is hav-
ing trouble getting their baby to latch on.”
After they go home, new mothers will be given a ho-
tline number (
843-522-5706
) they can call if they need
further assistance. If she is not immediately available,
Mitchell will get back with them within 24 hours.
“With very few exceptions, if a mother wants to
breastfeed, she can,” Mitchell says. “I’m here to help every
mother achieve her personal breastfeeding goals.”
A new
service
for new moms
Maggie Mitchell
Doctor Referral Service: 888-522-5585 • Health Scene
29
Doctor Referral Service: 888-522-5585 • Health Scene
29