NICU and Beyond: A Neonatologist's Insights on Supporting Breastfeeding

 

 

Description

In this episode of Breastfeeding Talk, host Jacqueline Kincer engages in a thought-provoking conversation with guest Dr. Susan Landers, whose impressive background includes working full-time as a neonatologist while serving as a speaker for the Texas Department of State Health Services, Medical Director of the Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin, a Fellow in the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, and also contributing to the Section on Breastfeeding for the AAP for six years.

Together, Jacqueline & Dr. Landers delve into the critical role of breast milk in the NICU and the challenges faced in advocating for its use. They explore the importance of donor milk, the need for informed consent, and the significance of maternal support in making breastfeeding work.

The episode also addresses the struggles of working mothers, the cultural shifts required to create a supportive environment, and the essential role of healthcare providers in empowering breastfeeding mothers. With personal stories and practical advice, this episode sheds light on the journey of breastfeeding mothers, fostering understanding and offering valuable insights for both healthcare professionals and new moms alike.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• NICU changes and advancements in the field of breastfeeding medicine over the last 30 years
• Support mothers in the NICU need to breastfeed & provide milk to their babies
• The role of fortifiers to promote healthy growth in NICU babies
• Resistance and challenges faced when advocating for human milk feedings in the NICU, including biases and prejudice against breastfeeding.
• Addressing the concerns and potential dangers of online donor milk sources.
• Emphasizing the crucial role of maternal support in making breastfeeding work, with practical tips and advice for new moms during the challenging fourth trimester.
• Shedding light on the prevalence of postpartum depression and the importance of support systems for new mothers
• Dr. Landers’ own breastfeeding experiences 30 years ago and her journey supporting her own daughters in breastfeeding
• Struggles faced by working mothers in balancing breastfeeding and professional responsibilities
• Needed cultural shifts required to foster a more supportive environment for breastfeeding and the role of healthcare providers, including lactation consultants, in empowering mothers with the necessary knowledge and resources.
• Burnout among working mothers and the importance of self-care and taking breaks to maintain mental health and sustain breastfeeding journeys.