Breastfeeding: Good for Mother and Baby

Breastfeeding is the natural way to nourish a baby with all the nutrients they need including essential vitamins, minerals and antibodies. The first week of August is World Breastfeeding Week. This observance shines a light on the proven benefits mothers and their babies get from breastfeeding. Washington Health has long been a proponent of breastfeeding, providing mothers in their Birthing Center with the guidance, tools, and resources they need to successfully nurse their newborns.

Washington Health Staff Nurse II Vanessa Hecker, BSN, RN, IBCLC, sees on a daily basis the hope, patience, challenges, and successes that first-time and experienced nursing mothers go through. Vanessa has been a nurse for 18 years and is a member of the Birthing Center’s team of seven lactation consultants who are all registered nurses that have been certified as International Board-certified Lactation Consultants.

“We visit the mom as soon as possible following delivery to help her initiate breastfeeding. Then, we check on the mom and baby multiple times throughout their stay to ensure the baby is feeding well, address any challenges, and answer any questions the families may have,” Vanessa explained.
 

The role of Washington Health’s lactation nurses is vital to mothers who wish to nurse their babies. These nurses advocate for breastfeeding as a biological norm and promote evidence-based practices related to human milk and infant feeding. In the hospital, they provide hands-on assistance with issues like latching, sore nipples, and milk supply. Lactation consultants support mothers in challenging situations such as breastfeeding premature infants, twins, or babies with special needs.

“I tell my patients that breastfeeding is often the hardest for the first month, then it gets much easier as mom and baby learn,” said Vanessa. Once the mother is discharged from the hospital, lactation consultants continue to help as needed via outpatient appointments or 24-hour-a-day phone support. If the mom is returning to work, they develop strategies for maintaining milk supply and expressing milk while away from their baby. All the while, they provide needed encouragement and reassurance, helping parents navigate the major commitment and emotional aspects that come with breastfeeding.

“The World Health Organization recommends babies breastfeed exclusively for a minimum of six months. At that point, food can be introduced in addition to breastfeeding for two years, or as long as it is mutually agreeable between mom and baby,” noted Vanessa.

Breastfeeding Benefits

“Breastfeeding provides babies with the healthiest possible start as well as numerous benefits to the mother and family as a whole,” said Vanessa. “Breastfed babies have a lower risk of all sorts of illnesses, like RSV, ear infections, obesity and asthma, especially in their early years. For mothers, it helps them bond with their baby, reduces their own risk of some reproductive cancers, and aids in postpartum weight loss.”

This year’s theme of World Breastfeeding Week (WBW2025) focuses on environment and climate change. It highlights the support of breastfeeding to create a sustainable environment while simultaneously reducing the impact of climate change caused by artificial feeding. Mother’s milk is a natural, renewable food that is environmentally safe and is produced and delivered without pollution, packaging or waste. However, it can be challenging when parents are not fully supported. WBW2025 aims to promote a breastfeeding-friendly environment at all levels, including national, health care, workplace and community.

Washington Hospital has been designated as a Baby Friendly Hospital by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF since 2014. This recognition illustrates the health system’s commitment to providing the highest level of care for infant feeding and mother-baby bonding.

To schedule a tour of the Washington Health Birthing Center, call 510.818.7424.