At Great Plains Health, we believe that breastfeeding provides many health benefits, and we support women in providing breast milk to their babies.
Advantages of breastfeeding
- Breast milk protects babies from certain health problems like ear infections, gastrointestinal problems, upper respiratory infections, type 2 diabetes and asthma.
- Breastfeeding promotes wellness in mothers by decreasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, ovarian cancer and postpartum depression. It also aids mothers in losing weight postpartum.
- Breastfeeding costs less than formula feeding, which does not provide the same health benefits as breast milk.
We are here to help
We understand that breastfeeding can sometimes be a challenge, which is why we are here to help you and your baby during the journey by providing tips for success and troubleshooting any problems.
We support women in providing breast milk to their babies.
Our highly trained nurses and international board-certified lactation consultants are available to assist new moms and babies by providing the following:
- Breastfeeding classes for expectant parents.
- Breastfeeding assistance throughout the hospital stay.
- Encouragement of skin-to-skin contact between baby and mother immediately after birth, including cesarean sections if the mother and infant are both stable.
- Education for families to help them recognize feeding cues.
- Education for families on proper positioning and latch.
- Education on the principles of supply and demand, adequate intake, and breast milk storage.
- Support for mothers with babies in the special care nursery or NICU.
- Preparation for going back to work.
Still not sure about breastfeeding?
Many expectant mothers are not sure if they want to breastfeed. While it is true that breastfeeding can initially be difficult for some women and their babies, the staff at Great Plains Health can help overcome problems and help mothers and families become more comfortable with issues surrounding breastfeeding by addressing common concerns, such as:
- Breastfeeding in public.
- Juggling breastfeeding with the demands of a job and other children.
- Lack of family support.
Breastfeeding and premature or sick babies
Great Plains Health knows the importance of providing breast milk to premature and sick babies in the special care nursery. Breast milk has been shown to be a powerful tool in helping these babies. The staff at Great Plains Health is prepared and dedicated to helping mothers that are separated from their babies be successful at providing breast milk and to reach their breastfeeding goals.
Formula feeding
Families that choose to formula feed are also supported by the healthcare team at Great Plains Health. Education on safe formula feeding is provided to all parents that choose formula as their feeding method.