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Breastfeeding: Grandparents Can Really Make a Difference

10/21/2014

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by Arly Helm, MS, IBCLC

Whether it’s the first grandchild, or the tenth, each new baby brings new opportunities. Grandparents have a powerful influence on healthy behaviors, particularly with breastfeeding. Most of us are aware that breastmilk is the most complete nutrition for the infant, providing growth factors for brain development, immunity to disease and protection against obesity that no other food can offer. The grandmother’s experience, her comments, and the way she offers help can go a long way in shaping the new mother’s beliefs about her ability to breastfeed. Research has shown that the father and grandmother of the baby have more influence on a mom’s decision to breastfeed than does the lactation consultant or breastfeeding educator. This influence can either be used to reduce risk or to increase risk of not breastfeeding.

When grandmothers were new parents they were often given misinformation about breastfeeding. Mothers were mistakenly told the baby was allergic to their milk, or they only made skim milk; or babies should be put on a limited feeding schedule, or even that formula was as good as (or better than) breastmilk. We now know that breastfeeding is normal and protective; that formula is a just a substitute. Breastfeeding is better and safer, and women can breastfeed, with the right support. Grandparents have a wonderful opportunity to help make this happen.

Grandmothers can keep a positive attitude and remind their daughters that breastfeeding is not only normal but is a learning process for both mom and baby. Seeking help from professionals and para-professionals before the baby is born, and especially just after birth, can help ensure a successful breastfeeding experience. The International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a professional who works closely with obstetricians, pediatricians and hospital maternity staff.  There are also para-professionals--La Leche League Leaders, Breastfeeding Peer Counselors, Lactation Educators and others--who offer support and recognize breastfeeding problems that should be handled by an IBCLC. Rather than saying, “Breastfeeding is just too hard. I never got the hang of it, myself. Let me get you a bottle of formula,” a grandparent can say: “I so admire your commitment to breastfeeding. Let me get your breastfeeding support person on the phone to help you.”

The more support a mother receives, the better she is able to support her baby. New mothers should have someone else doing the laundry, cooking, dishwashing, and running errands—without her having to ask. Of course it would be fun for grandparents to feed the baby, but continuity of breastfeeding is much more important. It helps the mother and baby learn and bond more quickly, and is safer than formula feeding. Grandparents can help new mothers breastfeed exclusively, by taking on other tasks.

Grandparents can say: “It’s important to me to be a real help to you. Would it be OK if I make you lunch now, and then do the laundry while you’re napping?” If the mom feels shy about accepting your help, let her know that you remember what is was like to have a new baby and really want to help.

In this way the grandparents become a positive source of breastfeeding support, setting the stage for a lifetime of better health for both mother and baby.

Arly Helm, MS, IBCLC
Clinical Lactation Consulting
530- 271-BABY

Join Arly and her husband Roger for the next Grandparenting the Newborn Class

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Peri-Natal Posture Tips

10/4/2014

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written by
Margaret Yen-Chuang Matthews, PT, MPT

After nine months of pregnancy and many hours for labor and delivery, new parents are overcome with their love and joy for their new baby.  As parents struggle through nights of poor sleep, hours of nursing, feeding, and changing diapers and clothes it can be difficult to put yourself on the top of your priority list.  You may think it impossible to exercise, use good posture, or take care of yourself while caring for your child.  I have good news: it doesn’t take hours of exercise to feel good.  Just a few adjustments throughout the day can make a difference and prevent issues like diastasis recti (a split in the abdominal muscles), pelvic organ prolapse, incontinence, and shoulder, back, and neck pain.

All of our tissues need circulation and movement to thrive.  Try pressing one fingertip to the other palm and then lift your fingertip.  Notice how the color turns white under where you pressed and turns pink again? This is from the blood being pushed out and coming back into the tissue. Anytime you are in one position for a long period of time, some parts of your body are under pressure and circulation decreases.  Shifting your weight and position, even for 30 seconds, can go a long way to nourish your tissues.

To do this, start to tune into your posture. Are you sitting with your back slumped with your pelvis unsupported? Does it feel better when your feet are fully supported? Are you constantly gazing down at your baby in your arms? Do you have time to look up in the opposite direction and stretch the front of your neck? Are you holding your child with weight far back on the heels and leaning back?  Can you try shifting your weight over your toes? Try to notice what postures make your body feel better and what postures that make you feel tired or strained. When you are in good alignment, you will feel more energetic, strong, and your muscles will do the work without straining or constantly tightening.

Your child needs you to be healthy; to have a strong back, shoulders and pelvis to lift and hold them. Kegels, as you have read here previously, are a great start to improving your pelvic health.  Effective posture while moving or resting will support a strong body for your and your family’s lifetimes.

If you want to learn more, come to “Pelvic Wellness Through Childbirth,” coming Saturday, October 23 from 1-3pm. We will talk about and practice practical ways of staying strong and caring for yourself and your child from pregnancy through delivery and after.


Margaret Yen-Chuang Matthews, PT, MPT
Physical Therapist License No. 35594
Pelvic Rehabilitation Specialist
Certified Pilates Instructor
AT-MAT Practitioner

ALIVE Physical Therapy
(530) 362-8181
fax-530-687-8099

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