Health Beat: Support Breastfeeding Moms by Building Relationships

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It’s very normal for new mothers to have lots of questions about breastfeeding and pumping both during pregnancy and after their baby’s birth. Some mothers make a personal choice not to breastfeed, which they have every right to do. For the breastfeeding specialists at Lewis County Public Health & Social Services (LCPHSS), the goal is to let all of their mothers know that it is perfectly normal to have questions and just as normal to need some help.

I love being able to support other mothers and help them reach their breastfeeding goals as a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor. 

Peer counselors are mothers who have breastfed our own babies. We have been carefully selected and trained by the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program to help moms meet their breastfeeding goals. We offer advice, respond to questions and concerns, and help build breastfeeding confidence. You can contact me directly through the Breastfeeding Helpline at 360-520-5250.

There is the saying “it takes a village to raise a child,” but with more technology and social media than ever, it seems that mothers have less of a “village” in 2019 than ever before. However, that need to create a tribe and have support is stronger than ever.

Postpartum depression affects one in five women, and I have seen countless women over the years feel lonely and unseen because we live behind a computer screen. My job allows me to get to know women during a very vulnerable time in their lives and build relationships that they so desperately desire. They can feel comfortable being honest and not feel judged for having questions or concerns. Isn’t that what we all want?

For mothers who are victims of sexual assault or became pregnant due to rape, breastfeeding is not usually their first choice. A disconnect to their baby or body is normal. Breastfeeding education and support is not a one-size-fits-all. This is a perfect example of how support is tailored to each individual mother and her circumstances with the breastfeeding peer counselor program.

I will be forever grateful to one particular sexual assault victim who wanted to try breastfeeding and allowed me to be a part of her pregnancy and postpartum journey. The amount of strength and courage it took is immeasurable. I helped prepare her for what to expect, helped through the early days. For this mother, breastfeeding was important to her. She knew its benefits for baby’s health, and wanted to provide colostrum to her baby.

The first few days were, rightfully, very emotional and she was adamant she only wanted to nurse for one week. Then as days turned to weeks and weeks turned to a month, her heart healing was indescribable. She continued to nurse beyond one year! Mom said that breastfeeding healed hurt she harbored for years and formed a bond between her and her baby that she admits would have never been there had she still harbored those feelings.

In Washington state more than 90 percent of moms begin breastfeeding their baby at birth. But only about 35 percent are still breastfeeding at their child’s first birthday. According to Lewis County Health Officer Dr. Rachel Wood, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding as the sole source of nutrition for your baby for the first 6 months of life. Breastfeeding can be continued for as long as both mother and baby desire it.

While breastfeeding is natural, most moms and babies need some practice learning how to do it. Studies have shown that working with Breastfeeding Peer Counselors and Certified Lactation Consultants improves breastfeeding initiation, duration and exclusivity by more than 20 percent.

There will always be mothers who cannot, or who choose to not breastfeed their babies. It is important to recognize that this is a personal healthcare decision they have a right to make for themselves. My goal is to make sure that all mothers in the WIC program have the opportunity to receive the same level of breastfeeding education, prenatally, so that they can make an informed decision as to whether breastfeeding is right for them and their family.

Two other key LCPHSS staff for breastfeeding moms are Health Services Workers Rosalia Gustin and Tina Silvernail. Both are International Board Certified Lactation Consultants, a certification earned through education, clinical experience, and rigorous testing.



With their expertise, Rosalia and Tina work with mothers through all stages of WIC support, including:

• breastfeeding education

• counseling

• follow-up support

• extended WIC eligibility

• enhanced food package

• breast pumps

Tina says she likes working with moms and their children. 

“I like listening to them as moms and encouraging them and also learning from their stories that we are all more alike than not as women,” she said.

LCPHSS breastfeeding support services are available to any WIC participant, and paid for by federal WIC program funding. Moms contact WIC on their own, and are often referred by physicians, family, friends, the news media, and social media. Contact the LCPHSS WIC office at 360-740-1225 for information and to contact Tina or Rosalia. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Washington State WIC Nutrition Program doesn’t discriminate.

For more information on breastfeeding and healthy baby habits, follow Public Health on Twitter: @LCPHSS.