The right start for breastfeeding
The first step toward successful breastfeeding is having the right information and support from the start, so read up about the benefits of breast feeding to get you motivated and in the loop. Nothing beats the real thing, and who you have on hand right at the start (as in one hour after giving birth) can make a big difference. Usually nurses, or a midwife or a doula, if you hire one, will be the ones around you right after birth to show you how to get started. Expect to learn how to coax the babies mouth open and ways to position yourself and the baby for maximum comfort and success. Getting off to a good start makes things so much easier so keep asking questions and getting support while it's nearby.

You can also tell your healthcare providers that it's important to you that they follow these four breast-friendly procedures:

Your baby should stay be able to stay in the room for the first 24 hours so you can practice breast feeding.

Someone trained should be around to help you initiate breast feeding within one hour of birth and show you how to pump if you are separated from your baby.

No one gives your newborn a pacifier or nipple.

Your baby will not be given formula.

It's also nice to see if your hospital or birth center has adopted the he Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), which basically is a statement of the institutions intent to support breast feeding. BFHI is a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). On the BFHI web site we found that only 3 NY State hospitals (Harlem Hospital, St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center and Rochester General Hospital) have adopted the 10 Steps to Successful Breasfeeding for Hospitals, which is not to say that other area hospitals don't have some wonderfully supportive protocols and committed staff, but it does speak to the larger issue that there is no national standard for supporting breastfeeding in hospitals.

Lactation Consultants:
Most women, given the right initial information and guidance do not need extra help, however, lactation consultants (LC) are the trained professionals mothers turn to when breast feeding is difficult, help is needed in the transition back to work, or a support group is called for.

Lactation Consultants give practical and hands on coaching (baby required for all sessions!). Some LC's have private practices while others work in hospital's, clinic's or doctor's offices (or some combination of the above). Some LC's run classes or support groups, where new mothers practice skills, weigh their babies, and get advice. Although LCs mostly work with woman experiencing some difficulties around breast feeding, LC's also can also be used to consult about pumping issues, return to work issues or to reassure a family that breastfeeding is going well.

Some of you may be wondering what sort of problems you might encounter-- so without jinxing the whole thing here are some issues that pop up: concern that the baby is not getting enough milk (baby seems to be sucking to little satisfaction, for example), an improper latch that can create painful nipples, or a baby is born with a structural/functional issue that requires attention.

Usually lactation consultants come to your home or you go to a group they have set up. Expect fee's to be anywhere from $65 hr and up. Lactation Consultants are often covered by insurance.

How do I find a LC?
To find a lactation consultant, visit the website of the International Lactation Consultant Association, ask around in your community and check with childbirth educators, midwives, nurses, WIC offices, obstetricians, and pediatricians. You can also ask at your nursing supply store. Two of the biggest breast pump companies can also help you locate a lactation consultant in your area: Call Medela at (800) 835-5968 or Hollister at (800) 323-8750.

Lactation consultants may have a wide variety of experience and may or may not hold recognized certifications or credentials. Before hiring a lactation consultant talk with them about their credentials and experience and go with your gut, this woman will be playing an intimate and important role for a brief but poignant time in your life.

Breast Feeding Resources for parents:
American Academy of Pediatrics

American Association of Family Physicians

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

Fund for the City of New York: Breastfeeding, A Gift for Your Baby

Helpline - Office on Women's Health

La Leche League

Lamaze International