LVH–Pocono Organization Provides Breastfeeding Support for First-Time Moms

August is National Breastfeeding Month, and while most agree that fed is best, it is important to ensure that all families are provided the resources to breastfeed their child, which has become one of the goals of Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP). NFP is an organization affiliated with Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Pocono that offers first-time mothers free access to a registered nurse from pregnancy through the child’s second birthday. Each nurse forms a trusting relationship with the new mom, which can make a measurable, long-lasting difference in the life of the mom and their child. NFP has shown to improve pregnancy outcomes, child development and school readiness. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “Breastfeeding has health benefits for both babies and mothers. Breast milk provides a baby with ideal nutrition and supports growth and development. Breastfeeding can also help protect baby and mom against certain illnesses and disease.” Registered nurse Allison Novak, with NFP, agrees with the CDC’s guidance. “Breastfed babies have a lesser risk for ear infections, sudden infant death syndrome, diabetes and child obesity. Breast milk is also more easily digested so the baby will have fewer episodes of constipation and diarrhea,” Novak says. Other benefits include that it is cheaper than formula and more convenient for moms on the go because the baby can be fed anytime, anywhere.

Recognizing these benefits, NFP shifted to a deeper focus on breastfeeding when, as part of a yearly review, it noticed that its breastfeeding initiation rates were high but decreased once the child hit 3 to 6 months. In an effort to improve those statistics, NFP surveyed the moms it works with to identify their stumbling blocks and difficulties, as well as why they stopped. Every NFP nurse enrolled in a lactation counseling course, and through the course – and what they learned from moms – they gained a better understanding of how to support the moms in their breastfeeding journey.

“NFP helped educate me on the process of breastfeeding, understanding that everyone is different, milk supply varies upon each mother and to not get frustrated with the process – as it isn’t easy but it’s worth it,” said NFP mom Shantavia Pierson-Clemons.