Sentara RMH highlights services during World Breastfeeding Week

HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) – Aug. 1-7 is celebrated in countries around the globe and in the Shenandoah Valley as World Breastfeeding Week.

Lactation consultants like Lesley McCall at Sentara RMH spend each day working with families during their stay after childbirth to educate them about the process and the benefits of breastfeeding for both mom and baby.

“The colostrum that mom has in the early days is excellent for the baby, just full of everything that the baby needs right away,” McCall said. “As it transitions to the mature milk, it just continues. It’s also great for bonding. Many moms just enjoy holding their baby right to the breast, and just that beginning of the relationship is just excellent,” McCall said.

McCall said breastfeeding is not always a smooth process for everyone, and there are some common problems she and other lactation staff see. She added that some moms are unable or choose not to breastfeed.

“[The] most common one we see is simply getting the baby latched, and moms can have trouble with that for a myriad of reasons,” McCall said. “It’s a relationship. It’s the mom and baby working together to make this all happen, so just helping mom through that.”

Sentara RMH Family Birthplace also offers outpatient lactation support after families head home from the hospital. You can find more information on that and other maternity services by visiting their website.

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