Breastfeeding Support

A recent article in the Journal of Human Lactation* suggests that informal sources of support, particularly that of the male partner, have more influence on breastfeeding behaviors than formal support from health care providers.This systematic review examined the impact of male-partner focused breastfeeding intervention on breastfeeding initiation, exclusivity and continuation. Are both you and your partner well educated about breastfeeding? Get on "the same page" by attending our breastfeeding couples class. 

*Impact of Male-Partner-Focused Interventions on Breastfeeding Initiation, Exclusivity, and ContinuationJ Hum Lact November 2013 29: 473-479, first published on June 21, 2013

CDC Breastfeeding Report Card

Seventy-seven percent of U.S. babies started breastfeeding in 2010, up from 70% in 2000, according to the latest annual report  from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About half of babies were breastfeeding at six months and 27% at 12 months in 2010, up from 35% and 16%, respectively, in 2000. “This is great news for the health of our nation because babies who are breastfed have lower risks of ear and gastrointestinal infections, diabetes and obesity, and mothers who breastfeed have lower risks of breast and ovarian cancers,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D. Also on the rise are the proportion of hospitals and birth centers meeting certain “breastfeeding support” indicators for mothers and babies, such as skin-to-skin contact after birth (54%) and rooming together (37%), CDC said. The report includes national and state-level data.

How are you preparing to breastfeed your baby? Northside provides a free on-line introduction to breastfeeding class. Check it and our classes that are led by Certified Lactation Consultants at: 

http://www.northside.com/maternityresources

Are you maintaining your fitness during pregnancy?

Women who continue weight-bearing exercise during pregnancy maintain their long-term fitness and have a lower cardiovascular risk profile in the perimenopausal period. (American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology Volume 199, Issue 5 , Pages 489.e1-489.e6, November 2008)

How are you maintaining your fitness during pregnancy? Please check out our pregnancy fitness classes at: 
https://classes.northside.com/CLASSES/OhBabyFitness/PregnancyFitness

Labor Preference Planning

It has been said that some people spend more time researching a car than how they are going to give birth. Have you considered what your options are? Our Childbirth Preparation classes can help you think through these options. 

To the right is a Labor Preference Worksheet to help you get started in the journey of planning.

Use it to talk with your support person and your healthcare provider so everyone is on the same page.

Please visit our website to find out more about Childbirth Preparation classes.

Information on Breastfeeding

When preparing for your baby’s birth, consider these suggestions from Lamaze International

Let Labor Begin on Its Own: The research around induction of labor has become so convincing that many hospitals are clamping down on inductions that don’t have a strong, compelling medical reason. But not everyone has caught up with the research yet. Be wary of induction that’s suggested because your baby is “measuring big,” you’re a few day past your due date, or your mom wants to schedule her travel. For the best chance at a healthy baby and healthy mom, it’s best to let your baby and your body tell you when it’s time.

Walk, Move Around and Change Positions Throughout Labor: In childbirth, gravity is your friend. It helps to move your baby down and makes it easier for your baby to fit and rotate. Movement is also a natural and active way to manage labor pain.

Bring a Loved One, Friend, or Doula for Continuous Support: Doctors, midwives and nurses work hard to meet the needs of their patients. But few women find a care provider who will stay by their side throughout labor. A continuous support person, such as your partner or a doula, can help you feel safer and more comfortable, and help your labor progress.

Keep Mother and Baby Together- It’s Best for Mother, Baby and Breastfeeding: During pregnancy, you and your little one were inseparable. Continuing that important connection after birth is best for you and your healthy baby. Skin-to-skin contact helps your healthy baby stay warm, cry less, and be more likely to breastfeed. In fact, interrupting, delaying, or limiting the time that you spend together may have a harmful effect on your relationship and on successful breastfeeding.

NSH Maternity Resource Page

Visit Northside Hospital's Maternity Resource Page! The page is the portal for a vast array of education and resources. Find it at: http://northside.com/maternityresources. Start educating yourself today with these free online resources.