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The depth of RiverView Health’s Lactation Team increased by three recently when Sunshine Wentzel, Danielle Dufault, and Elizabeth Toupin all became certified lactation specialists (CLS). The three registered nurses were certified in August, National Breastfeeding Month.

Wentzel, Dufault, and Toupin join Sue Palmer, RN, who is a certified lactation counselor (CLC). In October, Palmer marked 35 years with RiverView and has helped hundreds of women learn the ins and outs of breastfeeding over the years. Wentzel, who is the OB coordinator, credits Palmer with going above and beyond by coming in on her days off to assist new moms during the important first hours and days of breastfeeding.

“The thing that can really make or break someone's breastfeeding journey is the support you receive immediately following birth,’’ Wentzel shared. “We are fortunate to be able to offer guidance and resources to our patients so that their journey can be a successful one and they can go home knowing that they've got this.’’

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and then continuing breastfeeding while introducing foods until a child is 12 months old or older. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal that among infants born in 2019 (the most recent year of data), 83.2% started out receiving some breast milk, at one month that percentage dropped to 78.6%, and at six months to 55.8%. At six months, 24.9% of infants were receiving breast milk exclusively.

Help for Those Who Need It

After a baby is born at RiverView, an evaluation is done to determine if a referral for a lactation consultation is needed, Wentzel reported. During the evaluation, a CLS or CLC talk with the new mom about her history with breastfeeding, goals for the baby, determine how feedings have been going to that point, and answer questions. The certified team member may do an evaluation of a feeding to see how the baby is latching and if mom and baby look and feel comfortable during the feeding. To improve the outcome, the CLS or CLC may recommend different positions and holds for the feedings to optimize comfort and milk transfer, all while educating the new parents on feeding cues.

According to Wentzel, some women decide to exclusively pump, in which case, the CLS or CLC get them set up with a hospital grade pump to use while at RiverView and ensure they go home with a high-grade pump, whether they purchase it from the RiverView Pharmacy or order it online.

“I would say that a lot of our moms breastfeed,’’ Wentzel reported. “There is still a lot of room for growth in the education of our patients. I think a lot of our patients that decide to not breastfeed don't have adequate prenatal education on it and therefore they don't pursue it. But, even if a mom is on the fence about breastfeeding, we try to provide them with enough information and answer any questions they have so that they can make the best decision for themselves and for their baby.’’

Soon, Wentzel and the team plan to implement more prenatal breastfeeding education and evaluations to patients in the clinic setting prior to their delivery.

A Head Start with Antenatal Colostrum Expression

The newest implementation for patients planning to deliver their baby at RiverView is education on Antenatal Colostrum Expression (ACE).

ACE consists of the mother-to-be expressing and collecting her colostrum prior to delivery. Colostrum is high in antibodies and protective substances that help to support a newborn baby’s immunity. Those doing ACE can then bring the colostrum with them to the hospital, store it in the refrigerator in their room, and use it to supplement as needed when their baby is born, helping decrease the need for supplementing with formula. Feedback on ACE has been positive from patients and providers, according to Wentzel.

If you would like more information on breastfeeding, contact a member of the Lactation Team at 281.9300.

Pictured above: RiverView’s Lactation Team, left to right: Sue Palmer, CLC; Danielle Dufault, CLS; Elizabeth Toupin, CLS; and Sunshine Wentzel, CLS.

Five Great Benefits of Breastfeeding

1. Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies. As the baby grows, the mother’s breast milk will change to meet the baby’s nutritional needs.
2. Breastfeeding can help protect babies against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases. Breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, Type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfed babies are also less likely to have ear infections and stomach bugs.
3. Breast milk shares antibodies from the mother with her baby. The antibodies help babies develop a strong immune system and protect them from illnesses.
4. Mothers can breastfeed anytime and anywhere. Mothers can feed their babies on the go without worrying about having to mix formula or prepare bottles. When traveling, breastfeeding can also provide a source of comfort for babies whose normal routine is disrupted.
5. Breastfeeding can reduce the mother’s risk of some diseases. Some cancers, Type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure are less common among women who breastfeed.-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.