Leading Lactation Insights - May 2022

A monthly newsletter called Leading Lactation Insights, which features factual and scientific information with no product promotion. It covers cutting-edge breastfeeding & lactation research, clinical news, and expert insights for IBCLCs, lactation consultants, and maternal health professionals.
A Great Resource – The United States Breastfeeding Committee
Maria Lennon, MSN, CNM, IBCLC
When looking for a “one-stop shop” for resources on breastfeeding, a good place to start is with the USBC (United States Breastfeeding Committee). The USBC is a non-profit coalition of more than 100 organizations that “support its mission to drive collaborative efforts for policy and practices that create a landscape of breastfeeding support across the United States.”
Resources they offer include:
- Breastfeeding Support Image Gallery: In collaboration with the CDC, the USBC created a library of free, high-resolution images representing breastfeeding support in various communities across the US. http://www.usbreastfeeding.org/photo-project
- Breastfeeding Resources for Mothers and Families: This section refers mothers and those with questions to other resources for answers and further reading
- International Documents Related to Breastfeeding: A collection of classical documents.
- Monthly Observances and Resources: Webpages with breastfeeding news and resources related to monthly observances in the U.S. May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month!
- Publications and Statements – USBC position statements and other publications
- Surgeon General’s Call to Action Directory: The Action Directory lists information and guidance on how to connect other organizations working on particular action areas.
- Webinar Archive Directory: Explore the archives for webinars on training, racial equity, and other topics.
- Breastfeeding Coalitions Directory: Find a comprehensive list of state, territory, and tribal coalitions.
- Weekly Wire e-Newsletter: Tidbits of national, international, and local community news published weekly. Do you know that the U.S. Department of Defense recently released a revision to the Joint Travel Regulations to allow service members and civilian employees who are breastfeeding to be reimbursed for the shipment of their breast milk when traveling officially for more than three days? That’s just one bit of news published in the latest Weekly Wire.
In addition to these great resources, the USBC sponsors The National Breastfeeding Conference and Convening, which is held annually and brings together a diverse set of clinical, community, advocacy, and research professionals. The attendees represent those who understand the public health importance of breastfeeding as critical for reducing infant morbidity and mortality, chronic disease, and obesity; decreasing the maternal risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers. This convening is designed for all who are interested in protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding at the national, state, local, and community levels.
This year, the USBC will hold its National Breastfeeding Conference and Convening online from June 7-9, 2022. The title of the conference is, “Pathfinders: Honoring Lactation Wisdom and Nurturing Innovation”. CERPs and CEUs for Registered Dietitians will be offered. For more information click the link here: http://www.usbreastfeeding.org/p/cm/ld/fid=45.
Visit the USBC website to see all they have to offer. Subscribe for free to the Weekly Wire e-Newsletter and check out membership options for your coalition, if interested.
Safe Handling of Human Milk within Healthcare FacilitiesPresented by Caroline Steele, MS, RD, CSP, IBCLC, FANDWednesday, May 18 |
Infant Pain Management: Can We Do Better in 2022?Presented by Sharyn Gibbins, NP, PhDWednesday, June 15 |
Happy International Day of the Midwife – May 5, 2022
Every year on May 5th, the International Day of the Midwife takes place. This day was made official in 1992, when it was formally launched by the International Confederation of Midwives. Thank you for caring for mothers and babies and getting them off to the best start!
Happy World Maternal Mental Health Day – May 5, 2022
In many countries, as many as 1 in 5 new mothers experiences some type of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD). Increasing awareness will drive social change with a goal toward improving the quality of care for women experiencing all types of PMADs, and reducing the stigma of maternal mental illness. Click here to listen to the recorded webinar Maternal Mental Health: What We Know and Where Do We Go From Here? originally presented February 17, 2021 by Jennifer Payne, MD
Happy Nurses Week – May 6-12, 2022
National Nurses Week honors the contributions and sacrifices of nurses and reminds us to thank the medical professionals who help us. Thank you for all that you do to help moms and babies!
Happy Mother’s Day – May 8, 2022
We wish all of the mommas out there a very happy mother’s day!
Troubleshooting Videos & Infographic
We received great feedback from the professional community regarding our Pump in Style® with MaxFlow™ Breast Pump. We heard that you wanted more information on how to use and troubleshoot common issues with mom, like you could with Pump in Style Advanced. As a result, we developed four videos focused on LCs and an infographic to address common questions and learnings so you can effectively and efficiently help moms. Click here to access videos, click here to access infographic.
Medela and Expectful Partnership
Medela has partnered with Expectful, a holistic maternal health platform for fertility, pregnancy, and motherhood, to offer breastfeeding and pumping education and discounted access to wellness support to new moms. The two brands share a commitment to improving the motherhood experience through research-backed products that can be trusted to truly make a difference.
According to research recently published in the Journal of Perinatology, regular use of the Expectful app is shown to be associated with an increase in milk supply. The researchers analyzed results from 60 women and, after adjusting for confounders, found an increase in breast milk production of 223.2 mL and in pumping episodes by 0.93 when paired with frequent meditation. Skin-to-skin contact increased 100% among women who meditated seven or more times. Adjusted odds of a clinically significant Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score of > 9 was 0.057 with frequent meditation. Though more research is needed, these initial findings indicate that, for women engaging in frequent meditation, there may be an effect in establishing breast milk supply and reduction of depression symptoms1.
Beginning May 8, in recognition of Mother’s Day, pregnant and postnatal women can enjoy the benefits of this powerful mom-centric partnership when they sign up for Medela Family at www.MedelaFamily.us and download the Expectful app. Through the partnership, Expectful users will have access to Medela’s exclusive breastfeeding and pumping course and lactation experts. Medela Family members will also have access to 30% off an annual membership to Expectful’s wellness app through November 25, 2022.
“As a NICU mom who relied on the Symphony breast pump to feed my newborn son, I’m honored to announce this partnership with Medela,” says Nathalie Walton, CEO and Co-Founder of Expectful. “Our partnership with Medela will allow us to increase access to Expectful and share the science-backed benefits of meditation to increase milk production and lower the risk of postpartum depression with new moms in the Medela Family community.”
Medela is focused on strengthening the support offered to new parents following the introduction of their award-winning Medela Family program, a free mobile app for breastfeeding parents on iOS and Android devices released last year. The app offers a one-stop digital solution to support their personal breastfeeding goals with tracking tools, smart connection to Medela breast pumps, a breast milk management system, personalized articles and advice from certified lactation consultants, and more. Article1
A Great Resource – The United States Breastfeeding Committee
Maria Lennon, MSN, CNM, IBCLC
When looking for a “one-stop shop” for resources on breastfeeding, a good place to start is with the USBC (United States Breastfeeding Committee). The USBC is a non-profit coalition of more than 100 organizations that “support its mission to drive collaborative efforts for policy and practices that create a landscape of breastfeeding support across the United States.”
Resources they offer include:
- Breastfeeding Support Image Gallery: In collaboration with the CDC, the USBC created a library of free, high-resolution images representing breastfeeding support in various communities across the US. http://www.usbreastfeeding.org/photo-project
- Breastfeeding Resources for Mothers and Families: This section refers mothers and those with questions to other resources for answers and further reading
- International Documents Related to Breastfeeding: A collection of classical documents.
- Monthly Observances and Resources: Webpages with breastfeeding news and resources related to monthly observances in the U.S. May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month!
- Publications and Statements – USBC position statements and other publications
- Surgeon General’s Call to Action Directory: The Action Directory lists information and guidance on how to connect other organizations working on particular action areas.
- Webinar Archive Directory: Explore the archives for webinars on training, racial equity, and other topics.
- Breastfeeding Coalitions Directory: Find a comprehensive list of state, territory, and tribal coalitions.
- Weekly Wire e-Newsletter: Tidbits of national, international, and local community news published weekly. Do you know that the U.S. Department of Defense recently released a revision to the Joint Travel Regulations to allow service members and civilian employees who are breastfeeding to be reimbursed for the shipment of their breast milk when traveling officially for more than three days? That’s just one bit of news published in the latest Weekly Wire.
In addition to these great resources, the USBC sponsors The National Breastfeeding Conference and Convening, which is held annually and brings together a diverse set of clinical, community, advocacy, and research professionals. The attendees represent those who understand the public health importance of breastfeeding as critical for reducing infant morbidity and mortality, chronic disease, and obesity; decreasing the maternal risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers. This convening is designed for all who are interested in protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding at the national, state, local, and community levels.
This year, the USBC will hold its National Breastfeeding Conference and Convening online from June 7-9, 2022. The title of the conference is, “Pathfinders: Honoring Lactation Wisdom and Nurturing Innovation”. CERPs and CEUs for Registered Dietitians will be offered. For more information click the link here: http://www.usbreastfeeding.org/p/cm/ld/fid=45.
Visit the USBC website to see all they have to offer. Subscribe for free to the Weekly Wire e-Newsletter and check out membership options for your coalition, if interested.
Safe Handling of Human Milk within Healthcare FacilitiesPresented by Caroline Steele, MS, RD, CSP, IBCLC, FANDWednesday, May 18 |
Infant Pain Management: Can We Do Better in 2022?Presented by Sharyn Gibbins, NP, PhDWednesday, June 15 |
Happy International Day of the Midwife – May 5, 2022
Every year on May 5th, the International Day of the Midwife takes place. This day was made official in 1992, when it was formally launched by the International Confederation of Midwives. Thank you for caring for mothers and babies and getting them off to the best start!
Happy World Maternal Mental Health Day – May 5, 2022
In many countries, as many as 1 in 5 new mothers experiences some type of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD). Increasing awareness will drive social change with a goal toward improving the quality of care for women experiencing all types of PMADs, and reducing the stigma of maternal mental illness. Click here to listen to the recorded webinar Maternal Mental Health: What We Know and Where Do We Go From Here? originally presented February 17, 2021 by Jennifer Payne, MD
Happy Nurses Week – May 6-12, 2022
National Nurses Week honors the contributions and sacrifices of nurses and reminds us to thank the medical professionals who help us. Thank you for all that you do to help moms and babies!
Happy Mother’s Day – May 8, 2022
We wish all of the mommas out there a very happy mother’s day!
Troubleshooting Videos & Infographic
We received great feedback from the professional community regarding our Pump in Style® with MaxFlow™ Breast Pump. We heard that you wanted more information on how to use and troubleshoot common issues with mom, like you could with Pump in Style Advanced. As a result, we developed four videos focused on LCs and an infographic to address common questions and learnings so you can effectively and efficiently help moms. Click here to access videos, click here to access infographic.
Medela and Expectful Partnership
Medela has partnered with Expectful, a holistic maternal health platform for fertility, pregnancy, and motherhood, to offer breastfeeding and pumping education and discounted access to wellness support to new moms. The two brands share a commitment to improving the motherhood experience through research-backed products that can be trusted to truly make a difference.
According to research recently published in the Journal of Perinatology, regular use of the Expectful app is shown to be associated with an increase in milk supply. The researchers analyzed results from 60 women and, after adjusting for confounders, found an increase in breast milk production of 223.2 mL and in pumping episodes by 0.93 when paired with frequent meditation. Skin-to-skin contact increased 100% among women who meditated seven or more times. Adjusted odds of a clinically significant Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score of > 9 was 0.057 with frequent meditation. Though more research is needed, these initial findings indicate that, for women engaging in frequent meditation, there may be an effect in establishing breast milk supply and reduction of depression symptoms1.
Beginning May 8, in recognition of Mother’s Day, pregnant and postnatal women can enjoy the benefits of this powerful mom-centric partnership when they sign up for Medela Family at www.MedelaFamily.us and download the Expectful app. Through the partnership, Expectful users will have access to Medela’s exclusive breastfeeding and pumping course and lactation experts. Medela Family members will also have access to 30% off an annual membership to Expectful’s wellness app through November 25, 2022.
“As a NICU mom who relied on the Symphony breast pump to feed my newborn son, I’m honored to announce this partnership with Medela,” says Nathalie Walton, CEO and Co-Founder of Expectful. “Our partnership with Medela will allow us to increase access to Expectful and share the science-backed benefits of meditation to increase milk production and lower the risk of postpartum depression with new moms in the Medela Family community.”
Medela is focused on strengthening the support offered to new parents following the introduction of their award-winning Medela Family program, a free mobile app for breastfeeding parents on iOS and Android devices released last year. The app offers a one-stop digital solution to support their personal breastfeeding goals with tracking tools, smart connection to Medela breast pumps, a breast milk management system, personalized articles and advice from certified lactation consultants, and more. Article1
The Formula Shortage: How We Can Help
Maria Lennon, MSN, CNM, IBCLCFamilies in the United States who feed their babies infant formula are in a crisis. There’s not enough on the shelves of stores and many parents are worried that they may not be able to feed their babies.
How did it happen?
For many months, there has been exceptional pressure on the US and global supply chains due to COVID-19, the resulting staff shortages, increased demand for products, the war in Ukraine and the scarcity of some commodities. The shortage of infant formula products was compounded when Abbott Laboratories, the maker of Similac infant formula, issued 3 product recalls and shut down a factory due to serious contamination concerns. As Abbott is the exclusive supplier for more than half of WIC agencies, many mothers and babies all over the country have been affected.
This shortage has led to panic buying and hoarding; in response, retailers began limiting amounts of formula that consumers could purchase to small amounts that would only last for a few days of formula feeding. Additionally, some families, whose babies are required to be on special formulas, have reported that they been unable to locate any formula and their babies are at risk for illness or even hospitalization.
How bad is this crisis?
It’s severe. As of May, over 40% of infant formula products are out of stock across the country and some areas of the country are in worse shape than others. All formula companies in the US have ramped up production but it is not enough to meet the needs of infants and children. Specialty formulas have been especially hard to find. Babies who have allergies to cow’s milk and/or soy allergies often cannot drink alternatives and they are at risk for severe illness and hospitalization.
What does this mean for parents, families, mothers, and babies?
Parents of formula-fed infants are anxious, under a great deal of stress and are struggling to find ways to feed their babies. They are travelling all around to stores only to find the shelves empty. They are spending hours on the computer trying to order products online. Some parents have even resorted to preparing non-nutritious homemade infant formula, watering down the formula they have on hand, or mixing foods not intended for infants - all of which is very risky and can be harmful to infants’ health.
How can Breastfeeding Advocates help during this crisis?
- Educate parents on their options and let them know where to go for help. Let mothers know that lactation care providers are expert resources for infant feeding. Publicize the list of IBCLCs and Breastfeeding Medicine specialists in the local area.
- Send the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine statement (see “Tools You Can Use”) to healthcare professionals in the area who care for mothers, babies and children.
- Encourage mothers who are having trouble with breastfeeding to seek out the care of a Lactation Consultant. The United States Lactation Consultant Association has a directory of IBCLCs by location that parents can use as a resource: www.uslca.org/find-an-ibclc.
- Ask mothers who have excess milk and whose babies are growing well to consider donating to a milk bank.
- Reviewing options with parents who may be partially or exclusively formula feeding and who are looking to increase or re-establish a milk supply.
- Working in collaboration with the baby’s primary care provider.
- See the US Lactation Consultants’ Association position statement for more information.
https://uslca.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Navigating-the-US-Formula-Shortage.pdf
This month's spotlight: Patricia Esposito, RN, MS, IBCLC, LCCE from New York
Patricia Esposito, RN, MS, IBCLC, LCCE, has over 55 years of experience providing high-quality care to patients in the Obstetrical Care Units. She says that taking care of patients has been her passion since she was a little girl, which led to her attending St. Vincent’s Hospital School of Nursing in New York City to become a Registered Nurse. Patricia later obtained her Bachelor’s of Science in Health Administration from St. Joseph College in Patchogue, New York, followed by her Master’s in Health Administration from the New School for Social Research in Manhattan.
During this time, Patricia had four children – all of whom she breastfed. As she welcomed her own babies and worked in an Obstetrical Unit, Patricia’s interest in natural childbirth was sparked. In 1979, she became an ASPO (American Society for Psychoprophylaxis in Obstetrics)-certified Childbirth Educator. This organization later became Lamaze International. Patricia continued to work in the Labor and Delivery Unit while teaching Lamaze classes from her home. She eventually became the Head Nurse at Southside Hospital’s Labor and Delivery Unit in Bay Shore, New York, which consisted of 60 employees and serviced about 3,000 births annually! She recalls not being pleased with the breastfeeding education available and offered at that time to staff and patients and, because of this, Patricia became an IBCLC in 1998. She was also honored by the March of Dimes for her work in the Obstetrical community.
Though Patricia retired from her Head Nurse position in 2009, she remains actively involved with her hospital as a Lactation Consultant. The following year, she began a weekly breastfeeding support group at the hospital, with attendance steadily growing over the years. In 2017, Southside Hospital became an affiliate of Baby Café USA and, in 2021, achieved Baby-Friendly status. Once in-person meetings were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Patricia began facilitating the virtual baby café twice weekly. She also teaches a monthly breastfeeding preparation class through the hospital for expectant parents, while continuing to offer childbirth education classes and occasional in-home lactation guidance as requested.
Patricia notes one of her challenges was transitioning into the world of technology due to the onset of COVID and the subsequent need to develop virtual breastfeeding support resources. She says, “I entered the health field in the time of handwritten notes. As electronic charting came into being, I progressed along with it, but I had no knowledge of the workings of Zoom or Microsoft Teams.” Having overcome those early challenges, she says the baby cafes are great because of the convenient accessibility to moms, but that they also lack the hands-on assistance aspect of support when it comes to latching difficulties.
As a result, Patricia says that she would love to see baby cafes transition into a hybrid program, blending convenient virtual meetings for better accessibility with occasional in-person meetings for more interaction and easier hands-on assistance. She also notes that Southside Hospital – now South Shore University Hospital, a member of the Northwell healthcare team – currently has a lactation team of 5 IBCLCs and a majority of their maternal-child health nurses are also CLCs. She credits many innovations in the Obstetrical department over recent years to their lactation coordinator, Wendi Andria MSN, who developed their official lactation program in 2014.
In her free time, Patricia enjoys being outdoors, walking, beaching, boating, kayaking, and paddle-boarding. She loves entertaining friends and family, and misses doing so in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She says “cherishes the time I spend with my four children, their spouses, and my 10 grandchildren.” Most of all, she says, she is blessed to still be with her high school sweetheart after 55 years of marriage!
Thank you, Patricia, for dedicating your career to caring for moms, babies, and families. Your knowledge of and contributions to this field through the years are greatly appreciated by many!
Thank you to this issue's contributors and writers!