With August serving as National Breastfeeding Month, Carondelet Health Network continues to provide breastfeeding support for new moms as well as education on the importance of breastfeeding for newborns and mothers in our community.

“Promoting breastfeeding is a critical part of providing comprehensive care to the mothers and newborns of southern Arizona,” said Brooke Solorzano, RN and Women & Infant Services Director, Labor & Delivery/OBED - Couplet Care/Lactation – NICU at Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Solorzano says there are many important benefits to breastfeeding for mother and baby alike that can have long-lasting positive health impacts.

“For starters, mothers who breastfeed burn approximately an additional 500 calories each day. Not to mention, some cancers, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes are less common in women who have a history of breastfeeding. Studies also show that breastfed babies have a lower risk for developing obesity, type 1 diabetes, asthma, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS),” she said. “In addition, these babies are less likely to experience ear infections and stomach bugs. Furthermore, breastfeeding helps promote maternal-infant bonding which sets baby up for success with psychosocial development. “‘Breast is best,’ is what we recommend to our moms.”

Carondelet Health Network utilizes both technology and education to improve breastfeeding rates among new mothers. High-tech breast pumps realistically mimic the feel of a breastfeeding infant. Simulators help staff practice hand expression, but nothing trumps the importance of educating the community on the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and newborn, Solorzano said.

The breastfeeding journey doesn’t always go well. It’s natural, so it should be easy, right? In fact, the situation couldn’t be further from the truth. Breastfeeding doesn’t always come natural or easy for mom or for baby. Meeting with a certified lactation consultant and other moms who understand the challenges, is often exactly what a mom needs. The education process continues once mothers give birth, with Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital staff working with new mothers to encourage and promote breastfeeding.

“This whole effort starts at the very beginning,” said Solorzano. “We don’t want our patients to hear about breastfeeding when they come in to deliver their babies. We want to make sure that they are being educated from the minute they find out that they’re pregnant and they visit their obstetrician’s office for the first time. That means collaborating quite a bit with our provider partners and getting that information out to their offices as well as educating physicians about what we are doing at Carondelet Health Network.” Carondelet Health Network supports their associates in their breastfeeding journeys too, making lactation rooms available for its team members.

Having a baby is one of the most life-changing events that a woman will experience. Not only do their hormones go from the highest they’ve ever been to the lowest they’ve ever been after delivery, but they also now have a whole human who is depending on them for everything. The mother’s body can sometimes feel foreign to her, even though she’s been in it her whole life. With the fluctuation of hormones, it’s understandable that big feelings follow. 

Cathi Cote, an internationally board-certified lactation consultant at Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital, who has aided thousands of mothers on their breastfeeding journeys, says that when it comes to education, the goal is to involve family members so that mothers have a valuable support system as they adjust to life with a newborn. “Involving family members is a crucial part of this journey, and a new mother needs that support,” said Cote. “If everyone is involved and has an educated point of view, the mom is more likely to succeed or ask for help when needed.”

The weekly Breastfeeding Support Group at Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital is free to the community and available to all new mothers and their support systems, regardless of whether or not they deliver there. The goal is to do everything possible to help educate not only mom, but her support system as well. “Our Breastfeeding Support Group offers those who attend a chance to celebrate everything that they and their fellow new moms have overcome and accomplished through their unique journeys,” Solorzano said.

In recognition of National Breastfeeding Month, our Breastfeeding Support Group will be doing a special mom/baby craft each Tuesday in August, in conjunction with the Support Group from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Childbirth Education room at Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital. We welcome all moms and babies no matter where they are in their breastfeeding journey. Registration is not required, and walk-ins are welcome. 

For more information on women’s and maternity services at Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital or to register for free childbirth classes at Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital, visit https://www.carondelet.org/services/obstetrics