At Independence Women’s Clinic, we fully support the option to breastfeed. We recognize the many benefits that breastfeeding (or “chestfeeding”) has for both the mother and infant. Breastmilk is tailored to meet a baby’s needs – it has all the right amounts of fat, sugar, water, protein and minerals for proper growth and development. It contains many antibodies that help protect infants from illnesses. It’s also the easiest food for babies to digest. Breastfeeding can help the mother’s uterus contract back down and control bleeding after delivery. It can also help reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer later in life.
Although breastfeeding can be a rewarding experience, the journey can be difficult at times. If you decide to breastfeed but run into struggles along the way, we are here to support and reassure you. Our lactation specialist, Emily Martinez, DNP, CNM, can assist patients in troubleshooting some common breastfeeding hurdles such as assessing a latch, evaluating nipple breakdown, and identifying the presence of clogged milk ducts or mastitis. Appointments with her can accommodate detailed discussion, assessment, education, and plan development that is patient specific.
For full feeding and weighing evaluations, appointments often need to be long in duration. Appointments for breastfeeding support can also be made with the lactation consultants through Centerpoint Medical Center’s Women’s Services.
Helpful websites:
La Leche League International
www.llli.org
KellyMom
www.kellymom.com
Breastfeeding Your Baby
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/breastfeeding-your-baby
WIC Breastfeeding Support
https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov
Work and Pump
www.workandpump.com
Flying with Breastmilk
www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/breast-milk