Overcoming Barriers to Breastfeeding - Breastfeeding Task Force of Greater Los Angeles

Featured Speakers:
Carol Suchy RN, BSN, IBCLC
Barbara M. Tcheng, MD
Elaine Robertson, IBCLC

Barriers to successful breastfeeding, either perceived or real, exist, must be addressed and overcome so that mothers can fulfill their desire to breastfeed. Nine out of ten women choose to breastfeed, yet far fewer do so suc- cessfully. From one hospital’s experience, we will describe the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initia- tive’s Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, discussing strategies to overcome the barriers to achieving the Baby-Friendly Designation. Many advocates have been frustrated at the lack of breastfeeding on the radar of the Joint Commission. In 2010, the Commission’s new Joint Commission Perinatal Core Measures and expanded Healthy People 2020 objectives were created. You will learn how these changes occurred in these organizations, and how to use these new national standards to advocate for stronger support for breastfeed- ing.
Many newborns become jaundiced, but for some, it can be extremely dangerous. In all cases, breastfeeding needs to be supported and good follow-up is required. We will re- view the pathophysiology of hyperbilirubine- mia along with its risk factors. We will dis- cuss recommended practices for prevention and management of hyperbilirubinemia, in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. Early and unnecessary supplementation of the newborn undermines a mothers confidence in her breastfeeding ability. Breastfeeding can be interrupted and discouraged by medical personnel during this time. When newborns are monitored using an effective proven screening tool, breastfeeding and any neces- sary supplementation can co-exist until the breastfeeding dyad is stable.