[3 MIN READ]
In this article:
- Most babies born in the United States start their lives breastfeeding, but many parents don't get to breastfeed their babies for as long as they would like
- Breastfeeding has many benefits for parents and babies.
- Providence Swedish is working to reduce the widespread disparities among people who breastfeed, including those based on race, nationality, gender identity and sexual orientation.
Many people want to breastfeed their babies, but face a host of challenges to nursing for as long as they have planned or would like to. Obstacles can include a lack of social and workplace support or problems lactating. Because of these challenges, many people do not continue to breastfeed as long as they had planned. In fact, more than 83% of babies are breastfed when they are born, but under 56% are at six months of age.
”Breastfeeding is natural, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy,” says Lisa Arnold, CNM, ARNP, a Providence Swedish nurse midwife. “Most new parent/baby couplets have a learning curve for the first days to weeks. If we can provide support early and often during the breastfeeding journey, we can help to ensure new parents and babies get off to the best possible start.”
In 2022, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated its guidelines for infant feeding to reflect World Health Organization guidelines. The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. It also recommends continued breastfeeding with complementary foods until at least two years or beyond, as long as the person breastfeeding and the baby wishes to continue. But less than a quarter of babies are exclusively breastfed as recommended by these guidelines.
”Breastfeeding is natural, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy,” says Lisa Arnold, CNM, ARNP, a Providence Swedish nurse midwife. “Most new parent/baby couplets have a learning curve for the first days to weeks. If we can provide support early and often during the breastfeeding journey, we can help to ensure new parents and babies get off to the best possible start.”
The benefits of breastfeeding
Babies get nearly complete nutrition straight from breastfeeding. (Some babies may need supplemental vitamin D.) It can have many benefits for babies. These include a lower risk of:
- Asthma
- Ear infections
- Obesity
- Stomach bugs
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Type 1 diabetes
The person breastfeeding can also benefit, including reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer and type 2 diabetes. High blood pressure also is less common among those who breastfeed. Plus, people who breastfeed have a lower risk of osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
In addition to these benefits against disease, breastfeeding provides a bonding experience through increased skin-to-skin contact.
“We prioritize the “golden hour” – that first hour of skin-to-skin, when most newborn’s will take their first shot at breastfeeding, supported by our skilled labor and delivery nurses. We have lactations consultants helping new parents once they move to the postpartum unit, and all of our postpartum nurses are also trained in lactation– everyone working together to make sure new parents leave the hospital feeling confident. While at home with their newborns, new parents can join virtual and in-person support groups and take advantage of one-on-one visits with lactation consultants at the Lytle Center for Pregnancy and Newborns at Providence Swedish’s First Hill campus.”
Supporting an equitable future for breastfeeding
The National Institute for Children’s Health Equity recognizes gaps in resources and support. This means that there are wide disparities for people who breastfeed based on race, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation and ability.
In fact, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the 6-month exclusive breastfeeding rate among white infants born in 2017 was 28.7%. Only 21.2% of Black infants born in the same year were exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life. The American Academy of Pediatrics called for greater breastfeeding support for Black and African American parents in particular.
At Providence Swedish, we have physicians, midwives, nurses and lactation consultants available to help new mothers be successful in starting – and continuing – to breastfeed, including:
- Handling and storing breast milk.
- Help finding and using breast pumps.
- Breastfeeding supplies.
- Breastfeeding classes.
- Lactation support, including lactation consultants.
- Weaning guidance.
“In our Centering Pregnancy program, which is a group prenatal care program, we provide additional information on recognizing infant cues for hunger, tricks and troubleshooting for a good latch, and how to know baby’s getting enough,” adds Arnold
“We know it’s important to start the conversation long before putting baby to breast for the first time, offering anticipatory guidance during prenatal visits. 1-2 months before delivery, we provide education on hand expression – empowering patients with the ability to feed their newborns, even if the latch doesn’t come easily.”
Learn more and find physician or advanced care practitioner (ACP)
Swedish has three birth centers — First Hill, Issaquah and Edmonds — making it convenient for people who live or work in the Seattle, Eastside and North End areas. Swedish patients can take classes, meet other families, get help with lactation and go for new parents and well-baby checkups at The Lytle Center for Pregnancy & Newborns at our First Hill birth center. You can also get expert advice there and help with wellness. Visit our website to learn more about midwives at Swedish and how they can partner with you to create the most personalized birthing experience possible.
If you need a gynecologist, women's health specialist or primary care doctor, Swedish is here for you. Whether you require an in-person visit or want to consult a doctor virtually, you have options. Swedish Virtual Care connects you face-to-face with a nurse practitioner who can review your symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. If you need to find a doctor, you can use our provider directory.
Information for patients and visitors
Additional resources
At Swedish, midwives’ expansive role in care is helping build community
Cutting-edge care for patients giving birth and their babies | king5.com
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.
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