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If you ask a new mom to list the emotions she's feeling about the upcoming birth of her baby, among the excitement, joy and endless preparations, she's also feeling anxious about how her life is about to change – whether she's having her first or fourth.

Part of the unknown, especially for new moms, is the prospect of breastfeeding. For the last 10 years, just under half of babies born in the US were exclusively breastfed through three months. By six months, about a quarter of babies are .

Globally, that statistic is much higher. According to UNICEF, 48 percent of infants under 6 months are exclusively breastfed.

"In the US, we saw an increase in breastfeeding during the pandemic because formula was hard to find," says Stephanie Clements, a lactation consultant at Sentara Obici Hospital in Suffolk, Va. "Since then, we've seen rates return to pre-pandemic rates both when moms and babies leave the hospital and later on."

Why moms stop nursing

According to the , 60 percent of moms don't breastfeed for as long as intended.

Here are some reasons why:

• Concerns about infant nutrition and weigh
• Cultural norms and lack of family support
• Issues with lactation and latching
• Lack of support from the hospital
• Mother's concern about taking medications while breastfeeding
• Return to work

"Lack of education and information about breastfeeding provided during pregnancy remains the biggest barrier to breastfeeding," says Clements, who became an international board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) when her son was just 5 months old. "Many moms don't know what to expect when the baby is born. We work hard to change that.

Reaching moms before the birth

Sentara hospitals offer prenatal breastfeeding classes both in person and online.

Moms, who are also encouraged to bring their support person, will learn about:

• Breast care
• Breastfeeding lifestyle
• Getting enough milk for your baby
• Positioning and latching techniques
• When to feed the baby

After moms deliver, lactation consultants will visit them to help with proper positioning and latching the baby to the breast.

"We also discuss normal infant behavior as it relates to breastfeeding and adjust to mom and baby's plan of care accordingly," Clements says. "If a mother and infant are separated after delivery, such as when a baby is admitted to the NICU, the lactation consultant can assist the mother with pumping to promote the mother's milk supply until the infant is able to breastfeed."

Before leaving the hospital, mothers will learn to spot signs that their babies are getting what they need. They will also learn how to prevent or treat engorgement, sore nipples and other breastfeeding issues.

Breastfeeding benefits

 is perfectly formulated for your baby, containing just the right nutrients at the right time as your baby grows, starting with colostrum, the first form of breast milk right after birth.

Colostrum is rich in nutrients, antibodies and antioxidants. It also establishes a normal gut microbiome in the infant. Milk "comes in" two to four days after a baby is born.

"We have all heard that 'breastfeeding is best,' and we want our new moms to truly understand why breast milk is so beneficial," Clements says. "That can help motivate new moms when they face obstacles."

For babies, breast milk:

• Contains antibodies passed on from mom
• Includes fatty acids, like DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), that help your baby's brain and eyes develop
• Lowers risk of asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
• Provides the right amount of protein, sugar, fat and most vitamins
• Reduces the number of ear infections and stomach bugs and is easier to digest than formula

For moms, breastfeeding:

• Creates a special bond between mom and baby
• Helps the uterus return to its size before pregnancy
• Offers the convenience of being available anytime at the right temperature for free
• Reduces the mother's risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure

Bonding with other moms

Sentara Obici Hospital continues to support new moms after they leave the hospital. The hospital offers a weekly breastfeeding support group where moms can share their experiences with each other and ask lactation consultants their questions.

During the breastfeeding support group, moms are encouraged to weigh their babies when they get there, nurse them, and then weigh the baby again so they can gauge how much they are eating.

"Breastfeeding can be challenging, especially for first-time moms, but we hope to give them the best start," Clements adds. "If we can help them through transitions as their baby grows and the moms' lives change, for example, going back to work, we hope to extend the time babies are breastfed."

Please check out our class and events for more information about prenatal classes, breastfeeding classes and new mom support groups at Sentara.