Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
3 breastfeeding tips new moms need to know from a local lactation consultant
Reading time: 4 minutes
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Every mom has to figure out how to feed her baby. Luckily, here in Birmingham, we’ve got an award-winning lactation department that helps new moms do just that. Keep reading to find out what one top lactation consultant wants everyone to know about breastfeeding.
And, since it’s National Breastfeeding Month, we’ve got resources that can help you no matter where you have your baby.
Meet Alexis Vakakes, RN + International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Alexis Vakakes is a Registered Nurse and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Outside of work, she’s married with two kids.
When she became pregnant, she hadn’t decided how to feed her baby. Fortunately, she had a lot of help in the hospital.
When she and her baby started to breastfeed, she fell in love with it.
It wasn’t easy, though.
Once she went back to work, the other nurses began directing lactation-related phone calls back to her. She realized that she loved helping them talk through their issues. And when they came into the office for weight checks, she loved seeing how much the babies grew.
She was thrilled when she discovered a job that involved helping moms breastfeed every single day. Now she’s in her tenth year at Brookwood Baptist Medical Center and loves it.
“I get to work with my friends, meet new moms and help them with their babies. I’ve kept in touch with a lot of the moms I’ve met in the support groups that we do.”
Alexis Vakakes, Lactation Consultant, Brookwood Baptist Medical Center
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1. Breastfeeding is good for the mom + the baby
Vakakes explained that “why breastfeed?” is a common question, and people are often surprised when they learn about the long-term health benefits.
Breastfeeding benefits for the baby
Reduced risk of these conditions:
- Allergic disease
- Hypertension
- Obesity
- Type two diabetes
Fun fact: breast milk is specificallly tailored to the baby’s individual needs.
“If a baby is born at 25 weeks gestational age, the mother’s milk will contain the antibodies the baby needs. Then it will change and accommodate them as they’re growing closer to term and to their due date.”
Alexis Vakakes, Lactation Consultant, Brookwood Baptist Medical Center
Breastfeeding benefits for the mom
Exclusive breastfeeding for mothers can decrease the risk of:
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
“Breastfeeding is not just about feeding your baby. It’s determination, love, and patience. Some days can be exhausting. But then your baby stops nursing for those few seconds to look up at you and smile. Then you realize you aren’t just feeding your baby.
You are providing comfort, love, and nutrition that only you can give. You are their home.”
Alexis Vakakes, Lactation Consultant, Brookwood Baptist Medical Center
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2. Don’t be surprised by the surprises involved in breastfeeding
New moms often think breastfeeding will either go horribly or will be picture-perfect. According to Vakakes, there are actually a lot of ups and downs as the mom and newborn both learn.
“It’s a dance between you and the baby, but it’s rewarding for the mom who wants to do it.”
Alexis Vakakes, Lactation Consultant, Brookwood Baptist Medical Center
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3. Lots of support is available to moms who want to breastfeed
Ideally, an expecting mom will discuss ways of feeding her baby at the first OB/GYN appointment. From there, she can sign up for childbirth and breastfeeding classes. If she hasn’t decided, or has her baby before those classes, most hospitals have at least one lactation consultant.
At Brookwood, professionally-trained lactation consultants see mothers every day, and mother-baby nurses are trained to help as well. In fact, all of the lactation consultants either are or are becoming International Board Certified.
Brookwood recently received The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® (IBLCE®) Care Award for the fifth consecutive time.
Once they leave the hospital, moms have access to these resources:
- Breastfeeding helpline: Call (205) 877-1978 with questions.
- Breastfeeding support groups: Drop in for weight checks or weighted feedings.
“We love what we do. We never want a mom to feel bad about whatever decision she makes when it comes to feeding her baby. We just want her to feel supported no matter what.”
Alexis Vakakis, Lactation Consultant, Brookwood Baptist Medical Center
Check out Brookwood Baptist Medical Center’s postpartum support resources today.
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