Breastfeeding in Winter

By, Janelle Webb, MBA, CLE

(Image Courtesy of Microsoft Clip Art)

Breastfeeding during the cold winter months presents some unique challenges for moms.  Removing jackets or sweatshirts to allow babies access to mom’s breasts exposes moms to the cold temperatures.  This can be minimized by mom layering her clothing or choosing a long sleeved nursing top, zip-up sweatshirt, or button-up sweater to wear.  Babies can be kept warm in swaddling blankets, one piece, long-sleeved sleepers or sleep sacks, and a removable lightweight jacket in case the day warms up unexpectedly.  A set of hat and mittens will keep baby warm in especially chilly weather. Skin-to-skin contact that was initiated in the hospital as a means of calming the baby, promoting bonding between baby and parents, facilitating breastfeeding and regulating baby’s temperature should be continued throughout the winter to keep baby warm and cozy in their moms’ loving embrace.

Some doctors have reported a higher incidence of plugged ducts during the winter months.  This could be due to the restricting nature of tighter cold weather clothes or from the colder weather.  Treatment for plugged ducts includes frequent feedings, breast massage, warm compresses, and wearing looser clothing.  Some moms may experience nipple coldness, pain, or discoloration when exposed to cold temperatures for a long time.  This can be prevented by taking steps to prevent cold exposure, including warming the rooms where baby will be breastfeeding, wearing warm clothing, and using warming packs before nursing.

Cold winter months are often times when moms get sick with illnesses such as a cold or the flu.  This is not a reason to stop breastfeeding; baby has been exposed to mom’s germs before mom showed symptoms of getting sick.  Mom’s breastmilk gives the antibodies she makes against the illness to the baby, strengthening his or her immune system, and it’s likely baby will not get sick, or at least less sick than mom was.  If mom must take medications, be sure to the doctor chooses a medication that is safe for breastfeeding, and if buying an over the counter medication, ask the pharmacist if the medicine is safe for baby.  As always, practice good hygiene including washing hands frequently, coughing or sneezing away from baby, and getting plenty of rest. 

Remember, breastfeeding warms babies’ bodies and hearts during the cold winter months!

It takes a village: How families can support a breastfeeding mother

By, Sara Steelman, MPH



(Photo obtained from http://wicworks.nal.usda.gov/topics-z/image-gallery)

As the old proverb goes, “It takes a village to raise a child”. Well, the same can be said of breastfeeding, but not in the way you might think. It may not take a “village” to actually breastfeed a baby, but it does take a “village” to support a mother’s decision to breastfeed. In fact, one of the most common reasons a woman decides not to breastfeed or to stop breastfeeding is a lack of family and social support. Many of my close friends and family decided to stop breastfeeding early on because of this.

Where is this lack of support coming from?  I believe it stems from our society’s acceptance of formula as the primary source of nutrition for infants. We have been a formula feeding culture for over 50 years now, and that significantly affects the way that families perceive and understand breastfeeding. From birth, we look to our mothers for advice and guidance. Many of the new parents today have mothers and grandmothers that have never breastfed, and grew up in a time where formula was thought to be as good (if not better) than breastmilk. Often times, the family support system that has little education on breastfeeding and no personal experience can adversely impact a mother’s decision to breastfeed and continue breastfeeding.

What can families do to support a breastfeeding mother?  If a family has little to no experience with breastfeeding, they can still support a breastfeeding mother in a variety of ways. First is to be informed! The family support system (mother, grandmother, spouse/partner, etc.) can attend local breastfeeding classes to gain knowledge on breastfeeding. This will allow them to assist the new mother if a problem arises. Secondly, affirm and encourage the new mother. At times breastfeeding can be challenging, especially for a new mother, so build her confidence. Studies show that breastfeeding women who are confident in their ability and committed to making it work are significantly more successful at breastfeeding (Avery et. al., 2009). Families should avoid encouraging the mother to give the baby formula to resolve breastfeeding challenges, but rather encourage her that she can do this. If challenges persist, point her to the lactation resources in the community. Thirdly, partners and family members can help a breastfeeding mother with daily tasks that might otherwise be overwhelming while nursing such as housework or helping with her other children. Lastly, for those family members who provide childcare once the mother goes back to work, encourage her to pump her milk so that the baby can still receive all the beneficial properties of breastmilk.

With emerging research confirming the benefits of breastfeeding, there has been an increase in the professional lactation support available to breastfeeding mothers, and an increase in breastfeeding education. Although mothers today are becoming more knowledgeable about breastfeeding, lack of family and social support continues to be a significant barrier to success. Let us all work together to ensure that we provide support and encouragement to our childbearing family members!

 

References:

Avery, A., Zimmermann, K, Underwood, P.W., and Magnus, J. (2009). Confident Commitment Is a Key Factor for Sustained Breastfeeding. Birth: 36 (2), 141-148. DOI: 10.1111/j.1523-536X.2009.00312.x

Welcome to the KCBC blog!

The Kern County Breastfeeding Coalition (KCBC) has been active in the community since 2010. The coalition consists of a team of healthcare and public health professionals from all over Kern County that are dedicated to improving our exclusive breastfeeding rates, and increasing access to proper breastfeeding support. Our members have a passion for breastfeeding advocacy because of the many positive health outcomes that arise when a majority of women breastfeed.

Our Mission: 

To improve the health of Kern County residents by promoting, supporting and protecting breastfeeding.

Our 2014-2015 Goals:

1. To increase access to professional lactation support in Kern County through education, advocacy, and collaboration.
2. To increase lactation accommodation in Kern County for breastfeeding employees, and ensure businesses are compliant with the California and Federal Breastfeeding Laws through education and advocacy.

Our current members include representatives from:

Baby Café Bakersfield 

California Health Collaborative
Central Valley Lactation Association
Clinica Sierra Vista WIC
Community Action Partnership of Kern WIC
First 5 Kern
Healthnet
Kaiser Permanente
Kern County Call to Action
Kern County Department of Public Health Nursing 

Kern Family Health Care
Kern Medical Center
La Leche League
Maternal, Child, & Adolescent Health (MCAH)
Medically Vulnerable Care Coordination Project (MVCCP)
Mercy Southwest Hospital
Ridgecrest Regional Hospital

San Joaquin Community Hospital

The U.S. Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding of 2011 stated, “Only through the support of family members, communities, healthcare systems, and employers will we be able to make breastfeeding become the easy choice, the default choice”. 

The Kern County Breastfeeding Coalition believes that in order to improve the breastfeeding rates in our county, and ensure women have seamless access to breastfeeding support, we must work as a team! All members of the community are welcome to join the coalition.  We invite you to become a part of the coalition, and help us strategize on how to increase support for breastfeeding mothers, and raise awareness of the benefits associated with breastfeeding.

Coalition Meeting Information:

Where: Healthnet Community Solutions, 6013 E. Niles St, Bakersfield, CA 93306

When: Every 3rd Monday of the Month

Time: 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM (Feel free to bring your lunch!)

*You may also join meetings via conference call: (888) 584-2113, code: 308 146 9348

Whether you are a family member, friend, co-worker, healthcare professional, or a mother yourself, you play an important role in promoting, supporting, and protecting breastfeeding!