how to improve a first-time moms breastfeeding experience
TRANSCRIPT
Cristina Leos ([email protected])Stanford University
How to Improve a First-Time Mom’s Breastfeeding Experience
Why does
breastfeeding for first-time moms matter?
Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients for proper infant development. It also improves cognitive function and promotes baby’s health.
NurtureBaby
Establishing this practice in first-time moms makes it more likely they will breastfeed any other children they have
Savebabies.org
What few people realize is that new parents are often overwhelmed with information about their new baby, particularly regarding breastfeeding.
Mylifepuzzle
I know this because mothers declined the option to sign up for a newsletter and preferred to be able to
seek out relevant information for themselves.
They reported feeling more stressed by all the information being directed towards them.
Quickandsimple
Another thing few people realize is that mobile apps are mostly useful for establishing the habit of breastfeeding.
HABIT
Mothers reported a heavy reliance on mobile apps to track their breastfeeding patterns during the first few weeks…
but they had little to no need for the app after a routine had been established.
Another thing few people realize, is the importance of social support when women
attempt to breastfeed. Talking with a professional and interacting with other
women who are experiencing the same issues is key to continuing the practice.
I know this because mothers pointed to visiting a lactation consultant or joining a support group as a driving factor in helping them decide to continue breastfeeding, especially when they encountered difficulties.
These new insights have important implications.
1. It is important to provide women with a reliable, centralized location for credible resources in order to be best informed when they seek information.
2. Mobile apps should be used in conjunction with other resources in order to ensure a continuation of the breastfeeding practice.
3. Efforts should emphasize helping women find social support in order to promote breastfeeding over a longer period of time.
Thank you!
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