Cedar County Public Health

Breastfeeding Help

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CEDAR COUNTY CONSORTIUM

Breastfeeding

     Lee Kline RN and Tonya Weih RN BSN of Cedar County Public Health  completed an intensive three day workshop on clinical breastfeeding assistance in Des Moines, Iowa. The conference was sponsored by Iowa Health-Methodist-Lutheran-Blank’s Childrens Hospitals and Lactation Consultant Services.

     In addition to participating in the workshop that addressed the normal course of lactation, they completed an assessment and problem solving practicum, and an examination addressing usual circumstances and common challenges with breastfeeding. They were awarded certification as breastfeeding educators. Certification is an added credential that recognizes increased clinical competence in the field of breastfeeding assistance. Cedar County Public Health is proud to have two Certified Breastfeeding Educator available to the community.

     Visits by a certified Breastfeeding educator can be arranged prior to the birth to help the parents to be make an informed decision about which feeding option is best for their family. Informed decisions are based on the knowledge of risks and benefits of choices available. Visits can also be made after the birth to help encourage and support, and address any problems that may arise. A few of the difficulties that Lee or Tonya can assist with include difficult latch on, engorgement, sore nipples, milk production, positioning techniques, and support and tips for the breastfeeding mother returning to work. 

     Today, 69% of mothers initiate breastfeeding, mothers continuing to breastfeed after 6 months is 32%. Employed mothers, mothers at home, mothers of premature or ill infants, and mothers in a variety of special situations choose breastfeeding because of its numerous benefits. 

     Benefits of breastfeeding include increased intelligence, protection against childhood infections, diabetes, liver disease, various cancers, allergies, immune system disorders, and sudden infant death syndrome.  Mothers who breastfeed have a reduced incidence of breast cancer and osteoporosis.

     Mothers often explain that they initiate breastfeeding because of the benefits for their baby, but they continue breastfeeding because they enjoy a special closeness with their breastfed babies.

     As breastfeeding becomes more popular, mothers look to health care providers for assistance. Traditional mother-to-daughter teaching and assistance is less available since there is a generation of grandmothers who primarily bottle-fed their babies. Increased geographic mobility among extended families further decreases assistance available to new mothers.

     The conference was developed and presented by Debi Leslie Bocar, RN, PhD. Dr. Bocar who is a certified lactation consultant, noted, “Practical assistance from knowledgeable health care providers is critical to get breastfeeding off to a good start. Experts must also be available for telephone assistance, home health care, and out-patient consultation to assist mothers overcome common challenges during the first few weeks”. 

     For any questions regarding breastfeeding or to schedule an appointment for Lee or Tonya to visit, please call 563-886-2226.