Health Matters Home

“Team Effort” Teaches
New Moms to Breastfeed

Mothers who give birth at Halifax Health are encouraged to start a habit that’s good for them and their babies: breastfeeding. But this process can be stressful for many new moms.

That’s where Ellen Barton, RNC, comes in. Barton is one of the only certified lactation consultants in Volusia/Flagler counties. She helps mothers get off to a good start.

“It’s extremely rewarding but also very demanding,” said Barton. “We deliver more than 2,400 babies each year at Halifax Health. And typically about 80 percent of mothers choose to initiate breastfeeding during their hospital stay.”

Why Breastfeed?

Barton said there are numerous benefits for babies who are breastfed. These include reduced risk for several conditions, such as:

• Obesity
• Upper respiratory illnesses, asthma and allergies
• Diabetes
• Stomach viruses and diarrhea

Moms benefit, too. Breastfeeding can help women lose weight after giving birth. It also may reduce the risk for:

• Ovarian, cervical and breast cancers
• Type 2 diabetes
• Postpartum depression

In addition, feeding a baby formula is expensive. National studies show that breastfeeding one baby can save as much as $3,915 a year.

Classes and Consultations at Halifax Health

Learning to breastfeed is a process, Barton said. “It’s definitely a team effort. There’s the initial education, reinforcement and support from the staff and nurses, as well as emotional support from the family members.”

Barton reaches new mothers in a variety of ways. She visits patients at Halifax Health – Center for Women & Infant Health, mothers with babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and babies and their mothers who are readmitted to the hospital. She also works with outpatients and offers consultations by e-mail and phone. In addition, Barton teaches community classes and manages a breastfeeding supply rental and purchase program to help new moms.

Breastfeeding May Protect
Moms from Arthritis

Research shows breastfeeding can be good for a baby. But did you know it also can be good for you? Women who breastfeed for a year or more are much less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. Why? Breastfeeding may affect the immune system in a way that protects against the disease. And the longer you breastfeed, the better. Breastfeeding for less than a year won’t provide the same level of protection, according to new research.