Lactation
Lactation
The numerous benefits of breastfeeding have been documented all over the world. Unfortunately, very few women can only breastfeed even for as little as 4 to 6 months. Many problems have contributed to this erosion of breastfeeding practices, like misinformation, misconceptions and perhaps one of the most detrimental changes is the fragmentation of extended family support with lack of access to peer groups.
The key to successful implementation of breastfeeding is continued day-to-day support for the mother in her hospital, home and community. At BirthRight by Rainbow Hospitals, we are acutely aware of this need for support and empathy and provide a multi-pronged approach to this. We provide breastfeeding mothers with practical scientific information and give them the moral support to implement and carry out their choices so that they have a positive and fulfilling experience at this sensitive phase of their lives. We begin this help right from pregnancy itself. We encourage pregnant mothers in the third trimester of pregnancy to attend breastfeeding education classes. This prepares them well for what to expect after deliveries and helps mothers start with a baseline level of confidence to this new activity.
After delivery while they are still in the hospital, we bring them together in the hospital in groups to conduct breastfeeding mothers’ sessions. Our dedicated team of experienced lactation consultants conducts these sessions. This helps address immediate issues regarding breastfeeding that mothers are facing. It is also a nice community group bonding for the recently delivered mothers. At this forum, they interact not only with the lactation consultants; but with each-other. There are experienced lactation consultants who will see you daily when you have your baby and they will use their expertise and experience to assist you in breastfeeding.
In addition, we at BirthRight by Rainbow Hospitals have a dedicated group of experienced mothers who are advocates for breastfeeding. This is based on the premise that most problems breastfeeding mothers face are non-medical and can be solved by another experienced mother. The experienced mothers share their positive breastfeeding experiences, their own challenges and how they overcome them and practical tips to new mothers. This is a kind of mentorship program and allows new mothers to freely discuss some issues that they would hesitate to share with their doctors or lactation consultants. In addition, we are one of the very hospitals with a full-fledged human milk bank.
Breastfeeding support services or lactation services at BirthRight Hospitals by Rainbow includes:
- In-patient lactation services: During the hospital stay, our lactation consultants check with the in-patient mothers and help them with any problems with breastfeeding by giving them some useful breastfeeding tips.
- Support Group: There is a forum for mothers to meet and share their experiences. Our lactation consultant is present to give advice and address your questions. You can also find details of such support groups at a breastfeeding clinic near you.
- Outpatient Lactation clinic: Whether you deliver your baby at our hospital or not, you can visit our clinic and get any help you need successfully to breastfeed your baby after discharge from the hospital. The breastfeeding clinic near you can help you transition into breastfeeding your baby.
- Breastfeeding classes: In this class, you will get to know about techniques and information for ensuring a rewarding and successful breastfeeding experience. Topics include positioning, health benefits of breastfeeding for you and your baby, expression and storage of milk, how to know if your baby is getting enough milk, and how to continue breastfeeding if you intend to return to work. These breastfeeding tips can make breastfeeding easier for you, as well as, your baby.
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