Breastfeeding Management and Support for Nursing Moms (S1:E10)

Breastfeeding myths are pervasive in pediatrics. This isn't surprising, considering the majority of new mothers will experience problems with breastfeeding even when circumstances are ideal. Due to the sensitive nature of breastfeeding, primary care pediatricians (PCPs) must take a gentle approach when providing breastfeeding support. For example, a simple suggestion to supplement breastfeeding with formula can have devastating emotional effects on new moms.

Welcoming a new baby to the household is also a huge adjustment for families, which means PCPs will be tasked with debunking myths, providing reassurance and answering common questions about breastfeeding.

Listen to our pediatric expert share best practices and tips for breastfeeding management

In this episode of Charting Pediatrics, Maya Bunik, MD, discusses the challenges and myths surrounding breastfeeding management and how to best support new moms in your practice.

Dr. Bunik is an executive committee member of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) section on breastfeeding, Medical Director of the Child Health Clinic at Children's Hospital Colorado and a professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Dr. Bunik is also the author of the AAP's breastfeeding telephone protocols and advice.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why "breast is best," including the health benefits of breastfeeding for both mom and infant
• Specific scenarios, including premature births and other neonatal complications, where bottle feeding or formula feeding can be helpful
• Approaches PCPs can use when working with a new mom who is struggling with breastfeeding
• The most common breastfeeding questions you may need to answer in your office
• Some of the most common reasons why a mom might need extra help with breastfeeding management
• The negative impacts of sleep deprivation on new moms and their milk supply
• How to determine whether a newborn is getting enough milk
• The importance of regular weight checks for infants
• Techniques, such as milk removal, that new moms can use to boost milk supply
• The concept of power pumping, including its efficacy
• When PCPs should recommend the new mom meet with a lactation professional
• Time frames for when a mother should start pumping after delivery
• Why some breastfed babies require vitamin D supplementation
• The most common breastfeeding myths that PCPs can debunk for worried families
• How to reassure mothers when the experience of breastfeeding doesn't fit their ideal vision
• The impacts of cleft lip and/or palate when a baby is breastfeeding

Breastfeeding support for nursing mothers at Children's Colorado

When a new mom needs extra support with breastfeeding, they can turn to the Breastfeeding Management Clinic at Children's Colorado. Our multidisciplinary team includes a pediatrician with breastfeeding expertise, a lactation consultant and a psychologist. This comprehensive multidisciplinary approach is beneficial for any mother and baby experiencing challenges with breastfeeding. Refer a patient to Children's Colorado.