1511cf66_all_To_Action_on_Breastfeeding__Topic
[ID] 776 [Interest Areas] Concerned Citizen [Comment] There are not enough mother - baby friendly hospitals. I am referring to placing a TOP priority on the mother baby bond - starting with support for less medicated birth, and including no separation for baby (unless truly medically necessary). Early bonding for baby immediately after birth has HUGE consequences on breastfeeding success. There are WAY too many PROCEDURES done on a newborn, that could be postponed by an hour or two with no adverse health effects - thus allowing a baby and mom to bond and establish breastfeeding as a FIRST not a last after the baby is upset and has undergone shots and tests and poking and prodding. Also, prenatal care has a MINIMAL focus on breastfeeding. Breastfeeding classes should be taught and include mothers who come breastfeeding (ask for volunteers from La Leche League - they'll come!) Sitting in a class taking notes will not teach you much - you need the information and the EXPERIENCE of SEEING babies breastfeed to learn how it is done. All moms to be, should be contacted BEFORE birth by a Lactation specialist who WILL meet with them after birth, unless they are already successful and confident in their feeding. Too often the lactation consultants employed by hospitals are FAR below the level of knowledge and helpfulness as the private, expensive lacation consultants. This should not be - we pay ENOUGH for our doctors and hospitals, they should have the best lactation consultants! [Topic] 
Maternal and Infant Care Practices: Prenatal, Hospital, and Post-Delivery Care
Call To Action on Breastfeeding
Topic