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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 7, 2004
CONTACT
Cathy Kerr, Executive Director
International Lactation Consultant Association
(919) 787-5181, ext. 223
INTERNATIONAL BOARD CERTIFIED LACTATION CONSULTANTS
OFFER IMPORTANT ROLE IN BREASTFEEDING SUCCESS
As the National Breastfeeding Promotion Campaign, sponsored by
the Department of Health and Human Services and the National
Ad Council, unfolds nationwide, mothers can rely on the
expertise of International Board Certified Lactation
Consultants (IBCLCs) to reach their own breastfeeding goals,
according to spokespersons from the International Lactation
Consultant Association (ILCA).
"Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both mother and baby,"
says Doraine Bailey, President-Elect of ILCA. "It takes some
coordination, some practice, and lots of support."
And that's where an IBCLC can help, says Bailey. She says
breastfeeding can get off to a smooth start through effective
positioning and latch at the breast and by following simple
tips for success. These tips include avoiding pacifiers and
other artificial nipples in the early weeks, feeding the baby
often (at least 8 to 12 times in 24 hours), and watching for
cues that the baby is ready to feed.
Mothers can observe output in diapers and other signs of
intake to be assured their baby is transferring an adequate
amount of milk.
"Some mothers worry because they cannot visibly see how much
their baby is eating," says Bailey. "Babies are pretty
amazing, and they do give mothers visual cues as long as we
know what to look for. Mothers can listen to hear regular
swallowing during the feeding to know the baby is getting
milk. Parents can observe diapers, because what goes in must
come out! After the first few days babies should wet around
six diapers every 24 hours, and have three or four bowel
movements. The baby's weight is the best indicator of
receiving enough milk."
If a baby does not show these usual signs of intake, or if the
mother has concerns, Bailey says an International Board
Certified Lactation Consultant can help. IBCLCs are trained
professionals in the field of lactation who provide assistance
and support for mothers throughout their breastfeeding. Often
that may mean simply encouraging the mother in her efforts and
assessing that things are going well, providing practical
help, and dealing with any challenges.
IBCLCs can assist in a host of special situations, including
helping mothers breastfeed infants born prematurely, infants
who are ill or have special medical challenges, or infants
with physical disabilities. IBCLCs can help mothers with
special medical challenges, or prepare mothers for returning
to work or school with information on pumping and storing
their milk, using a breast pump, and coordinating
breastfeeding and a milk expression schedule with work and
other commitments.
"Breastfeeding promotes optimal health for both mothers and
babies," says Bailey. "IBCLCs are in an integral position to
provide appropriate care and support for breastfeeding
families.. As a community, we should all be the cheerleaders
from the sidelines, showing mothers we are proud of them and
providing a supportive environment where mothers can feel
comfortable breastfeeding anywhere."
ILCA encourages all new mothers to contact an International
Board Certified Lactation Consultant in their community with
questions or for help with breastfeeding. IBCLCs can often be
found at the hospital where the mother delivered, in a local
health clinic, or in private practice in the community. ILCA's
"Find a Lactation Consultant Directory" available at
www.ilca.org/findaspeaker.html
provides a listing of IBCLCs throughout the world.
The International Lactation Consultant Association includes
more than 4,000 members from 50 nations. The membership
includes IBCLCs, nurses, midwives, maternal child health
workers, physicians, childbirth educators, dietitians, and
other professionals interested in supporting breastfeeding
mothers. The association's mission is "to advance
the profession of lactation consulting worldwide through
leadership, advocacy, professional development, and research."
For more information about ILCA and its services, visit the
ILCA website at www.ilca.org |
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