Most breastfeeding talks and support groups eventually get to the question – “How long should I breastfeed?” As an IBCLC, I offer the AAP Guidelines (American Academy of Pediatrics) as the basis for my answer, as I imagine most of you do. We are recommending a minimum of six months and up to two years and beyond – sounds great, however, in order to make this work for the average busy mother – we should also provide some tools to assist her in accomplishing her goal.
This is where Hands-Free Breastfeeding comes in. The ability to feed baby and accomplish another task at the same time (talk on the phone, type, cook or care for another baby) can offer breastfeeding mothers the needed support they will require at some point during their nursing career.
How can you demonstrate hands-free breastfeeding and stay on schedule with appointments and rounds?
YouTube is the perfect classroom for the breastfeeding mother. She can watch at her leisure, in the privacy of her own home, pause, review and watch some more. We offer several videos here – some are more professional than others. Watch them all and select the one that “speaks” to your clients. We also encourage you to look for additional videos (there are new ones posted every day!) and share on this blog!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLduLJFSJn4]
Pros: Simple, short and anyone can do this
Cons: Mothers may not have this type of wrap
I see LC’s referring mothers to this video in newborn classes, in newsletters and on their blogs. A great, simple resource.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbalsUY408k&NR=1]
Bonus Video: (another mother breastfeeding in the Moby)
Hands-free pumping bras also come to mind when I think of hands-free breastfeeding, a guide on these can be found here at mommasbaby.com So, next time you have a mother ask “How long should I breastfeed?” you will not only have a medically supported (AAP) factual answer – but you’ll also have some mother-to-mother videos to share and improve her likelihood of breastfeeding for six months and beyond.. Enabling the pumping mother to go hands-free will allow for breast massage, compression and multi-tasking. A snug fit is best, and if pumping frequently, encourage her to purchase two bras, if possible, so there can always be one in the laundry.
Are you currently incorporating YouTube video recommendations into your practice?
If so, which ones? and When?
What are your favorite videos?
What other ideas do you have to share about YouTube videos and our important work?
Wendy Wright MBA, IBCLC
Guest Blogger – Utilizing the web to reach our breastfeeding target market
Co-owner Lactation Navigation – Workplace Lactation Consultants, LLC
www.LactationNav.com
Hi Wendy, thanks for your blog entry. I really think it helps some Mum’s to be able to visualise what you are talking about, so videos can be really helpful. Even having an idea explained a different way can make a difference.
I really like Dr Jane Morton’s video on hand expressing, can be found at http://newborns.stanford.edu/Breastfeeding/HandExpression .
That’s really the only one I recommend to Mum’s at this stage, but might have to look around for some more,
cheers,
Naomi Hull, IBCLC,RN
Private Practice.