Baptist Health Richmond Womens Care Center nurses highlight the benefits of breastfeeding for new moms and babies

The Women's Care Center understands every patient is unique and there are various factors to consider when deciding if breastfeeding or formula-feeding is best for the baby. Nurses, led by Marti Hackworth, RN, CLC, are getting back to the basics educating about breastfeeding and how to support new moms in their journey to decide what is the best way to feed their baby.

RICHMOND, Ky. (December 5, 2019) – The Women’s Care Center understands every patient is unique and there are various factors to consider when deciding if breastfeeding or formula-feeding is best for the baby. Nurses, led by Marti Hackworth, RN, CLC, are getting back to the basics educating about breastfeeding and how to support new moms in their journey to decide what is the best way to feed their baby.

Hackworth was designated a Certified Lactation Counselor, or CLC, after completing a program sponsored by the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice. CLCs learn the latest in evidence based breastfeeding practices, which they pass on to the new mothers and fellow employees at the healthcare facilities where they work. Hackworth says, “Breastfeeding has important advantages over formula for mother and infant. It improves health outcomes for both, and is a great aid in bonding.”

Medical research indicates that, in general, breastfed babies are better protected from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), allergies, childhood cancers, and later weight-related conditions, such as metabolic syndrome. Breastfeeding also helps promote healthy gut bacteria. Moms benefit, too, from a reduced incidence of type 2 diabetes following gestational diabetes, as well as lower rates of breast and uterine cancer.

Of course, mothers at the Women’s Care Center have always had the option of breastfeeding their newborns. What is changing is the amount and duration of contact between mother and child. “We’re encouraging what we call ‘skin to skin’ contact between babies and mothers,” says Hackworth. “The baby stays with mom and eats when hungry and sleeps when tired. Mother and infant fall into a natural pattern that increases milk production and reinforces the bond between them.”

Breastfeeding can provide a great start for mothers and babies, and Baptist Health Richmond is proving to be a great partner in helping to make that happen.

For more information about the Women’s Care Center, visit BaptistHealth.com/Richmond.