Baptist Health Richmond provides lactation counselors to support new moms and their babies

Aug. 24—RICHMOND — At Baptist Health Richmond, our skilled team of lactation counselors in our Mother and Baby Department play a critical role in supporting new moms and their babies throughout their feeding journeys.

According to the CDC, breastfeeding provides health benefits for both mom and baby. For babies, breast milk is a great source of nutrition and as the baby grows, the milk changes to meet nutritional needs. Benefits of breastfeeding for babies can include reduced risk of asthma, obesity, Type 1 diabetes, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Breastfeeding can also lower the risk of high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, ovarian and breast cancer for mothers. Some other benefits include enhanced emotional bonding between mom and baby through skin-to-skin contact, as well as convenience and cost savings.

"We encourage our moms to take advantage of skin to skin time with their newborn through breastfeeding because it allows them the opportunity to fall into natural patterns that increase milk production and reinforces the bond between them," said Marti Hackworth, RN, Certified Lactation Counselor.

Our team of lactation counselors work with moms to provide educational resources and support about inadequate milk supply, not latching, mastitis and engorgement to enhance their breastfeeding journeys. Breastfeeding can be a unique experience for many, but with the guidance and support of the lactation counselors our goal is to ensure mom and baby have a positive bonding experience.

For more information about additional services provided by the Mother & Baby team at Baptist Health Richmond or to schedule an appointment to attend one of our free prepared childbirth and breastfeeding classes, visit BaptistHealth.com/Richmond.

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