BREASTFEEDING NEWBOARN CARE

At Missouri Midwifery, we believe in providing complete holistic care to mom and baby throughout and beyond the pregnancy. Along with our prenatal and postpartum care, we provide newborn care focused on breastfeeding. Our breastfeeding support starts during pregnancy and continues after the baby is born to provide the new momma with the support she needs during the breastfeeding process.

WHY BREASTFEED?

For us at Missouri Midwifery, breastfeeding is a vital part of postpartum and newborn care. Breastfeeding also allows important bonding time between momma and baby. Breastmilk is the best nutrition for the new baby, providing them with vital nutrients as well as establishing their immune systems. Colostrum, the initial breast milk that occurs when a new momma first starts breastfeeding, provides the newborn baby with everything they need to start growing strong and healthy. Breast milk is also easier on the baby’s stomach, meaning the baby should have fewer digestive issues.

Breastfeeding is great for the momma as well—it helps everything that had moved internally to make room for the baby shift back into place and releases a lot of feel-good hormones that help her recover faster. Breastfeeding is also a lot more cost-effective than using formula. There have also been studies that show breastfeeding reduces the chance of different cancers and can even help prevent postpartum depression.

BREASTFEEDING & NEWBORN CARE AT MISSOURI MIDWIFERY

Breastfeeding isn’t always the easiest thing to get used to—just like with everything in life, it takes time and adjustment to be successful. This is why our breastfeeding newborn care begins during pregnancy. All of our primary provider staff at Missouri Midwifery have received certification as breastfeeding advisors to ensure that you receive the right advice and support to encourage breastfeeding. During our prenatal appointments, our expert team will answer questions or concerns you may have about breastfeeding to alleviate any worry.

After the birth, we don’t separate the baby from mom but instead start skin-to-skin contact immediately. Besides encouraging the connection between mom and baby, this contact encourages breastfeeding initiation. As part of our breastfeeding newborn care, we help the new mom with positioning and assistance with any difficulties that may arise. All our babies nurse before going home, and we have follow-up appointments soon after the birth to make sure mom and baby are getting off to a great start. If an issue does arise, we can refer them to a lactation consultant to provide a little extra help.

At Missouri Midwifery, we know that breastfeeding is an important part of newborn care. We strive to provide new moms and their little ones with the right support and education to make breastfeeding as easy and beneficial as we can. Through personalized holistic care, helpful resources, time-honored knowledge, and support, Missouri Midwifery is your center for health and happiness before, during, and after natural birth.