mcgroaryandmalley.com - Breastfeeding!

"If you have a mom, there is nowhere you are likely to go where a prayer has not already been."~ Robert Brault

My opinion is that anybody offended by breastfeeding is staring too hard. ~David Allen

Breast Feeding: "Breast is best"

Like the American Academy of Pediatrics, we wholeheartedly support breast feeding as the healthiest choice for feeding your newborn. Human milk is recognized as the optimal feeding for all infants because of its proven health benefits to infants and their mothers.

But everything must be considered within reason. That said, a favorite patient of ours recently delivered a month early after a challenging, but rewarding pregnancy. Her little angel was sleepy and not up for the extra work it requires to get milk from a breast rather than from a bottle. I felt terrible when i saw her back in the office and realized we had set her up to fail.

While breast may be best, in general, not at the expense of your happy mommy-baby time. if it becomes too challenging, and the lactation consultant cannot help, your pediatrician is scratching his head, we understand the benefits of feeding your baby: breast or formula - NO GUILT!!! i am terribly sorry to that lovely patient who felt like she was bringing down our statistics. Her happiness as a new mom is much more important than anything else. Her baby is calm and sweet, and seems to have adjusted quite nicely to the bottle.

The World Health Organization (WHO), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), and the United States Preventive Services Task Force all recommend exclusive breasting feeding for the first six months of life. Because of ongoing educational and support efforts to promote breastfeeding in the United States, the initiation rate of breastfeeding increased to 74% in 2005, almost reaching the 75% target in Goals for Healthy People 2010 .

Despite the overwhelming evidence in favor of breastfeeding, in the United States, only about 74% of women breastfeed immediately after birth and only about 43% of women are still breastfeeding at six months.

Why Doesn't Everyone Breastfeed?

There are many reasons that women choose not to breastfeed, including embarrassment, not understanding the benefits of breast milk, a belief that formula is equal to breast milk, and myths about the "ease" of formula feeding compared to breastfeeding.

Recent data again confirms that if more women breastfed in the U.S. we could reduce our infant illness and mortality rates. We hope you will keep your mind open to the possibility.

How do McGroary and Malley Patients Compare to National Average?

Likely because of the selection bias of our Ob patients, those preferring small practice care, undivided attention, only two physicians contributing to your entire care from pregnancy through delivery, we have an exceptionally high breast feeding rate among our patients, between 90-95%. We are proud of our patients, knowing the extra work they put in in the beginning, will pay off tremendously when the breast feeding becomes second nature.

To work toward 100% participation, we are always considering what more we can do as your physicians and advisors to increase your chances of successful breast feeding.

Recently, we decided to buy breast feeding books for all of our pregnant patients and to give them out in advance, so you have the chance to review common issues in the beginning, and ask questions before the excitement of your baby's arrival.

We want to help in any way we can, to support your effort in breast feeding, for every possible reason. We hope you will consider taking a lactation class before delivery to get more information. Offered at Northern Westchester Hospital: 914.666.1370, or by several local LaLeche League chapters, including Katonah, Yorktown and Central Westchester chapters.

Speak with supportive friends, browse through your breast feeding book and discuss any concerns or questions with us and ask us any of your questions.

Honestly, this is a very intuitive process. We will offer advice and support, but you and your baby will generally figure this out together, as you bond, over trial and error... 　

Benefits of breast feeding for your baby:

1. Breastfeeding provides warmth and closeness. The physical contact helps create a special bond between you and your baby.

2. Human milk has many benefits.

It's easier for your baby to digest.
It doesn't need to be prepared.
It's always available.
It has all the nutrients, calories, and fluids your baby needs to be healthy.
It has growth factors that ensure the best development of your baby's organs.
It has many substances that formulas don't have that protect your baby from many diseases and infections.

In fact, breastfed babies are less likely to have:

Ear infections
Diarrhea
Pneumonia, wheezing, and bronchiolitis
Other bacterial and viral infections, such as meningitis
Research also suggests that breastfeeding may help to protect against obesity, diabetes, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and some cancers.

Benefits of breast feeding for you, it helps:

Release hormones in your body that promote mothering behavior.
Return your uterus to the size it was before pregnancy more quickly.
Burn more calories, which may help you lose the weight you gained during pregnancy.
Delay the return of your menstrual period to help keep iron in your body.
Provide contraception, but only if these 3 conditions are met: (1) you are exclusively breastfeeding and not giving your baby any other supplements, (2) it is within the first 6 months after birth, (3) your period has not returned.
Reduce the risk of ovarian cancer and breast cancer.
Keep bones strong, which helps protect against bone fractures in older age.

Breastmilk gives your baby more than just good nutrition. It also provides important substances to fight infection. Breastfeeding has medical and psychological benefits for both of you.

For many mothers and babies, breastfeeding goes smoothly from the start. For others, it takes a little time and several attempts to get the process going effectively. Like anything new, breastfeeding takes some practice. This is perfectly normal. If you need help, just ask for it. All your caregivers want to see you succeed. Discuss any concerns or challenges with your physicians and nurses while you are still in the hospital.

Lactation support:

Even if you are too tired to ask for help, Dennis and I, your labor nurse, your postpartum nurses and a lactation support specialist will visit you postpartum to check on your progress, and to help ensure your success.

Great Reading for Breast Feeding Moms

A baby nursing at a mother's breast... is an undeniable affirmation of our rootedness in nature. ~David Suzuki

Breastfeeding Made Simple: Seven Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers, Nancy Mohrbacher, Kathleen Kendall-tackett, 2010.

The Nursing Mother’s Companion, Kathleen Huggins, 6th ed, 25th Anniversary edition, 2010.

The moment she had laid the child to the breast both became perfectly calm. ~Isak Dinesen

The ABC’s of Breastfeeding: Everything a Mom needs

to know for a Happy Breastfeeding Experience, Stacey H. Rubin, 2008.

Breastfeeding is a mother's gift to herself, her baby and the earth. ~Pamela K. Wiggins

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, La Leche League International, Diane Weisseinger, Diana West, 2010.

“There are three reasons for breast-feeding: the milk is always at the right temperature; it comes in attractive containers; and the cat can't get it.” ~ Irena Chalmers"