CDC’s program a success at getting more moms to breast feed

A recent push by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to educate moms on the benefits and know-how of breastfeeding is showing promising results across the country as well as here in Idaho.

Mountain View hospital in Idaho Falls is one of several hospitals across the region to adopt part of or all of the CDC’s 10 step plan after it came out in 2007.

“Basically it’s ways to support breast feeding by providing education and policies in hospitals so that moms are getting the support they need,” said Brandy Jo Furniss, a registered nurse and lactation specialist at Mountain View.

The CDC’s push for breast feeding is a preventative measure, as babies who breast feed are typically healthier than those who aren’t. “It’s extremely important in the early months of life,” said Dr. Paul Beckett, a family physician. “There are decreased incidents of urinary tract infections, otitis media (middle ear infection), upper respiratory infections, asthma, the list goes on.”

For first time moms in particular, breast feeding can be a bit of a challenge. “So when they usually come in, I’ll be honest, they’re usually in tears. They’re telling how difficult it is. Maybe it’s pain issues or maybe it’s weight loss with the infant.” said Furniss. “But as we’re working through it, it’s just so empowering to see the mom get ready to cringe when the baby latches on and then smiles and says, ‘Oh I can do this.'”

One of the more recent success stories for breast feeding is Rita Hogan, a first time mom who struggled to give her newborn Max enough nourishment. “I came back almost every day, or every other day for like a week or a week-and-a-half probably,” said Hogan.

In less than a week, Max lost over a pound of body weight. Most babies loose some weight, but doctors were concerned for Max as his weight loss was excessive. “We had to supplement with formula while we were nursing, and do little tricks to help him gain weight,” said Hogan.

Eventually Hogan was successful in nursing, and Max is now gaining weight at a healthy level. “After like day eight it seemed to be like, ‘Oh it’s not so bad we can do this, we’re going to make it,'” said Hogan.

Mom’s who want to talk to a lactation specialist at Mountain View can call (208)-557-2729.

Here’s a link to the CDC’s website with more information about the 10 step breastfeeding plan.