Western Baptist provides breastfeeding support for new moms

World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated the first week of August, but breastfeeding is encouraged every day for new mothers at Western Baptist Hospital, according to lactation consultant Debbie Cornwell, R.N.

“Western Baptist is very supportive of breastfeeding moms,” Cornwell said. “Our lactation services department is working on educating the community about the benefits of breastfeeding.”

Western Baptist Hospital is among only 25 percent of U.S. hospitals to offer support for new mothers after they leave the hospital, according to a new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The report said most U.S. hospitals don’t do enough to encourage breastfeeding to reduce the risk of childhood obesity, diabetes and other health conditions.

Western Baptist is among just 20 percent of hospitals that do not give babies formula unless there is a medical need for it, and only a third of hospitals that allow babies to stay in the hospital room with their mothers 24 hours a day, which can increase breastfeeding opportunities. 

“We encourage our moms to keep their babies in the room so they can pick up feeding cues from their baby,” Cornwell said. “We want to be a part of the solution in the war against obesity and diabetes for generations to come. Breastfed babies see fewer visits to the doctor and readmission to the hospital for sickness.”

In addition, Western Baptist is one of 192 hospitals to receive the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners Care Award. It is listed among facilities that provide training for nursing, medical and other staff to care for breastfeeding families and implement projects to support breastfeeding.

Expectant parents can get more information about breastfeeding at Western Baptist’s Childbirth Fair from 10 to noon Saturday, Aug. 13, or by phoning (270) 575-BABY.