Breastfeeding
New mothers make many decisions each and every day, with one of the most important being the one to breastfeed, giving her child the very best start in life.
Unfortunately, breastfeeding doesn’t always come easy, something the Mid-Michigan District Health Department (MMDHD) fully understands, as well as the crucial role breastfeeding plays in the health and well-being of children. That’s why they dedicated four staff members in 2010 to address the issue.
The *Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Peer Counselors’ main function is to educate, support and encourage new and expectant mothers in an effort to increase the number of women who exclusively breastfeed their infants for at least six months. This effort will not only improve the long-term health of mothers and babies, but will help lower medical costs, obesity and other chronic health issues in the long run.
While most women are well aware of the benefits of breastfeeding, some may be a little nervous, not knowing what to expect, or how to handle setbacks, which is where the Peer Counselors come in.
Peer Counselors use their own breastfeeding experience to assist other mothers by:
· Supporting and encouraging moms about to deliver, those who have just delivered, and those going back to work.
· Teaching prenatal breastfeeding classes.
· Educating pregnant women and mothers as their baby grows
The program has been in existence three short years, and it appears their hard work is already beginning to pay off. The health department’s breastfeeding support initiatives have led to an increase in breastfeeding initiation rates over the last year in Clinton, Gratiot and Montcalm Counties from 70% to 75%.
“That’s great progress,” said Bonnie Havlicek, MMDHD Community Health and Education Division Director. “We have a lot more work to do, but to have 5% more moms initiating breastfeeding in such a short amount of time is fantastic.”
Mid-Michigan District Health Department’s four WIC Peer Counselors believe in breastfeeding wholeheartedly and are happy to practice what they preach.
Stacy Carstensen
For Stacy Carstensen, who is based in MMDHDs Clinton County Branch Office, breastfeeding her two young children, ages 2 ½ and 8 1/2 months, has helped make her a more confident mother, knowing that she has given her children every possible health advantage within her control.
“Besides the numerous health benefits for the baby, breastfeeding is healthy for the mother too,” she said. “It helped me get back to my pre pregnancy weight after just one month!”
Carstensen went on to explain that breastfeeding releases hormones, which reduces stress and that the act of breastfeeding forces tired moms to rest. Evidence also suggests that mothers who breastfeed are at lower risk of developing postpartum depression, Type 2 Diabetes, breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
Carstensen admits she can certainly relate to working moms who are afraid they can’t manage breastfeeding and a job at the same time. “It can be challenging, but it can be done,” she said.
Jessica Gallop
Jessica Gallop, based in the Montcalm Branch Office, feels empowered knowing she has provided her children, ages 2 ½ and a 4 months, with health benefits that only breast milk can provide. Ironically, she had never planned to breastfeed, but because she knew it was good for her baby, decided to at least give it a try.
“To my pleasant surprise it wasn’t as awkward as I anticipated and I loved the fact that it was such a great bonding experience,” said Gallop.
To mothers like her, who struggle with the decision to breastfeed or who are having difficulty, she offers this advice, “Surround yourself with supportive people. We’re all born to walk, but we have to learn how. We don’t give wheel chairs to toddlers- we expect them to fall-it’s all part of the journey.”
Molly Smith
Molly Smith, of the Gratiot County Brach Office, is proud of the decision she made to breastfeed her two daughters, who are three and 8 months old.
“You can only do so much for your children until they start to make choices of their own, but this choice that I made will prove its worth over and over again,” she said.
Smith advises moms to not give up until they love breastfeeding, “because at some point, you will,” she said. “And if you give up, you may end up regretting it.”
Tammara VanDopTammara VanDop, who is based in the Montcalm Branch Office, says she is rewarded knowing that her children; ages 26, 23, 17, 15, 13, and 11; are healthier and smarter because she breastfed.
“It has been confirmed that breastfeeding saved the lives of two of my asthmatic children when they contracted a dangerous virus.”
VanDop shared that if it had not been for an experienced breastfeeding mom giving her tips with her first child, she would have probably failed.
“Breastfeeding is a lost art and should be taught to our next generation. We are supposed to teach young moms how to be good moms and I believe this is one of the very first steps in doing so.”
For these women, becoming a peer counselor was a natural fit; something they seemed destined to do.
“Babies are so tiny and breast milk protects them on so many levels,” Explained Gallop. “I jumped at the opportunity to share my experience with other moms and convey to them the benefits of breastfeeding. I find it extremely rewarding to see a mom be successful.”
VanDop agrees. “The most gratifying part of my job is when I know I have helped a mom make the healthy choice for her child and when I’m able to help a mom through a difficult situation.”
According to Carstensen, the best part of her day is when a mom learns how her body and baby are designed to work together. “It’s such a joy to be able to give confidence and reassurance to moms, and highly rewarding to listen to their stories of frustration, offer a solution, and to then be able to celebrate their victories.
While breastfeeding isn’t always easy, especially in the beginning, the PCs insist that anyone with a desire to give their baby the very best can be successful.
For those with doubts, Carstensen offers this advice, “If you want to do it you can, for as long as you want to. You can’t just try to breastfeed and stop at the first hurdle. Surround yourself with supportive people who have been successful, like friends, family, or a Peer Counselor.
VanDop encourages moms to at least breastfeed the first three days after birth so the baby can receive antibodies from the colostrum. “I then encourage mothers to keep trying and remind them that it can take up to 3 weeks to establish a working breastfeeding relationship with the baby.”
The Peer Counselors are overjoyed that breastfeeding is becoming the “new normal” and thoroughly enjoy
helping breastfeeding moms be successful.
To have a Peer Counselor assist you, contact:
Clinton County: Stacy Carstensen at 989-227-3137
Gratiot County: Molly Smith at 989-875-1043