Get Healthy 502- August- Breastfeeding Awareness Month
Magic 101.3 and Norton Healthcare are dedicated to supporting and educating our community on the importance of being proactive about their health!
August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month
When it comes to breastfeeding, you are not alone. Becoming a new mom and learning the ins and outs of how to breastfeed, along with all the other new experiences that come with motherhood, can be overwhelming. While it may be difficult at first, breastfeeding is a journey that you can get support for.
Conquering racial inequalities in breastfeeding
Research shows that some racial groups breastfeed their babies less. A woman’s choice to breastfeed requires support from the community, family and employers, as well as readily available health education. Often, the need to return to work early, inflexible work hours and lack of encouragement interrupts breastfeeding.
Why it matters
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies breastfeed for at least one year. Breastfeeding can improve maternal and infant health outcomes as well as help the baby in many ways, including:
- Fewer infections
- Lower rate of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other forms of infant death
- Lower rates of childhood cancer, diabetes and asthma
- Better brain development and higher IQ
- Lower risk of childhood obesity
Moms also benefit from breastfeeding with:
- Quicker recovery from childbirth
- Quicker return to pre-pregnancy weight
- Lower risk of breast and ovarian cancers
- Lower risk of diabetes and high blood pressure
- Better bonding, comfort and closeness with baby
What is virtual breastfeeding support?
Norton eCare provides free telehealth breastfeeding support visits online anytime — night or day, weekends or weekdays — whenever you need it, 24/7. You can schedule a virtual breastfeeding support visit for issues such as breast tenderness, latching issues, milk supply, mastitis, pain, sore nipples and more. All sessions are private.
To get started, sign in to your MyNortonChart account. If you don’t have a free MyNortonChart account, signing up is easy. If you plan to use a mobile device, download the MyChart app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Once you are signed in to your account on your phone, tablet or computer with a webcam, go to the main menu and select “eCare Video Visit,” then “Video Visit – Breastfeeding Support.” You will be asked to enter credit card information to hold your appointment, but you won’t be charged.
Other breastfeeding resources at Norton Healthcare
Norton Healthcare offers many resources to help you build a good breastfeeding relationship with your baby. This begins right after birth, when your baby is placed “skin to skin” on your bare chest. This bonding experience can lead to more successful breastfeeding.
While you are still in the hospital, lactation-certified nurses and clinical staff, and board-certified lactation consultants are available to provide education and support during your hospital stay.
We understand that breastfeeding questions, concerns and challenges may come up during pregnancy and once you go home. That’s why we provide additional outpatient services, including:
- No-cost breastfeeding classes
- Baby Bistro & Boutique
- Lactation center
- Lactation consultations available by appointment Monday through Friday; call (502) 559-1733 to schedule an appointment
What do I need to know about breastfeeding and COVID-19?
There isn’t enough data to know whether COVID-19 can be transmitted to a baby through breast milk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, available data suggests breastfeeding isn’t a likely source of transmission. If you are breastfeeding and have COVID-19 symptoms or a confirmed infection, wash your hands thoroughly and often. Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for babies and can protect against many diseases.
