Breastfeeding 101 at Babies R Us

On Tuesday, November 17th, doulas from CTDA participated in another successful breastfeeding information night for expectant parents at Babies R Us.

Lisa Houser introduced CTDA and the benefits of hiring a doula including assistance with research and finding resources new parents need, and support during all births- natural or medicated.

Allison Coleman elaborated on the role of a postpartum doula. She explained that we meet prior to birth. Pospartum doulas come in when baby comes home. Our role is flexible and multi-faceted. Examples include: holding baby while mom gets a shower, assistance with breastfeeding, sibling care, and minor house work.

She also shared information about breastfeeding. She shared the importance of breastfeeding within the first hour. She demonstrated the cross cradle hold, with a baby delivered to her by Kate Merrifield, and spoke about it allowing mom to support baby's head and direct baby onto breast while supporting breast with the other hand. Shelley Scotka joked that the newborn hasn't read the breastfeeding book yet! Shelley talked about skin-to-skin contact triggering a newborns instincts. Also, brushing a newborns cheek with nipple will make them turn towards breast. Then you wait for the "big baby bird mouth"! One last key point was that, depending on a woman's anatomy, she should see little or none of the aerola.

Shelley Scotka involved all the expectant parents by asking why they were interested in breastfeeding. Reasons included that it was free, healthier for baby and mom, and weight loss. Shelley replied "How else can you can sit on your butt and lose weight?" Another benefit was diapers that didn't stink!

Shelley spoke about colostrum's huge boost to baby's immune system, when the milk comes in, how to tell if your baby is getting enough milk. She encouraged partners to support moms by telling them "you can do it" and "I'll help you". She told them that it is important to remember there are many people who want to help you. La Leche League, doulas, lactation consultants (WIC Mom's place, Special Addition, local hospitals). Breastfeeeding.com was also mentioned.

She explained the concept of supply and demand, and that breastfeeding on demand is important to producing enough milk. The importance of exclusive breastfeeding for 3-5 weeks was mentioned as well, and the potential for nipple confusion- and pain- if baby starts to breastfeed like he/she bottle feeds. After this time, a mom needs to evaluate her breastfeeding lifestyle. Does she want the freedom of her baby having an occasional bottle? Is she returning to work?

A Babies R Us representative showed many different pump models and explained which ones would meet different needs. She explained how to use them. She spoke about pumps being an investment, one you can use with future children. Kate demonstrated a boppy pillow. Shelley mentioned that having this to support baby's weight is wonderful for Mom (as are shoulder massages!). The Babies R Us representative shared the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations that babies breastfeed for at least one year and the World Health Organization says two years. Her message that any amount is great was reminiscent of the Breastfeeding Day 2009 message "Every ounce counts".

The parents asked many questions at the end of the presentation ranging from storage of breast milk, signs baby is hungry (such as rooting-crying is a late sign of hunger) and how to know when baby is done nursing, diet for a breastfeeding mother (including plenty of fluids because "your body can't make it if you don't take it"!), and sanitizing pump equipment and bottles.

Egypt Houser, Lisa Houser's daughter, offered her services as a doula to older siblings, providing on-call childcare during births.

Afterward, all the doulas were able to mingle with the parents and spend time visiting with each other. CTDA was well represented with eight doulas in attendance: Shelley Scotka, Allison Coleman, Lisa and Egypt Houser, Kate Merrifield, Karina Bolger, Jordan Bucher, Emily Johnson. The monthly Babies R Us sessions are becoming a regular and dependable way for CTDA to build relationships in the community, offer free breastfeeding education, and spread the word about the benefits a doula offers.

Blog written by: Sarah Webb and Emily Johnson

Breastfeeding 101