Mississippi ranks last when it comes to not only the initiation of breastfeeding but also the continuation of the practice for at least six months.
However, Highland Community Hospital’s obstetrical services staff are seeking to improve upon those numbers with the implementation of a new hospital training program.
The hospital recently received an $8,687 grant from the Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation to help fund the hospital’s Breastfeeding Education Initiative.
Janelle Imhoff, director of obstetric services, said there has been a national push towards increasing the breastfeeding rate. Imhoff also said many cuts have been made to government funding, which limits access to baby formula in rural communities. An estimated $2,000 per year is spent per family on formula, she added.
“The American Association of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding as the best of method of feeding for any newborn, even those born prematurely,” Imhoff said. “Through training we will be able to give moms up-to-date consistent information, help them troubleshoot and continue with breastfeeding so they will have a successful experience.”
That training will begin next month, Imhoff said.
In October, three staff members will train to become certified breastfeeding consultants, she added.
There are many benefits to both mother and child as a result of breastfeeding, besides being cost effective.
It protects both the mother and child from illnesses and diseases and decreases a mother’s risk for the onset of Type II diabetes. It builds a child’s immune system and can reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer for mothers, Imhoff said.
Imhoff said she is hoping to increase the number of mothers who breastfeed, which she will document with admission assessments. Staff will keep track of how many moms plan to breastfeed at admittance and how many are discharged doing so. Trained staff will also follow up with moms after about six months.
“Many hospitals have adopted baby-friendly programs where they exclusively breastfeed,” Imhoff said. “We need to educate ourselves to give the best instruction to our moms before we can expect anything of them. Nursing is continuous education so we can give the best care to our patients.”