HCA Florida Brandon Hospital Nursing Team Shares Importance of Breastfeeding

Enable Breastfeeding: Making a difference for working parents
HCA Florida Brandon Hospital Nursing team shares importance of breastfeeding during World Breastfeeding Week and National Breastfeeding Month
 
BRANDON, Fla.  (Aug 1, 2023) -   Each year, about 140 million new babies are born around the world, but despite all the potential benefits of breastfeeding, many of which are listed below, only an estimated 48 percent of those babies are exclusively breastfed. In the U.S., that percentage is even lower. Fewer than 25 percent of mothers are breastfeeding at a baby’s six-month pediatric check-up. The theme for 2023 World Breastfeeding Week is “Enable Breastfeeding: Making a difference for working parents,” so caregivers at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital hope to raise awareness and availability to help increase that percentage.
 
“Support and empowerment are the two most valuable tools we can give a mother on her breastfeeding journey,” said Dr. Jessica Cooper, Obstetrics and Gynecology resident at Brandon Hospital. “As a new mom myself, I had no idea what I was getting into when I started breastfeeding my now almost one year old, Jacob. But now, postpartum rounding with new moms has become one of my favorite parts of being a physician because I know what a difference I can make by educating  new families. It’s become my passion to help women feel empowered.”
 
“As a mom and a lactation consultant, I feel like I can relate to these new moms on so many levels,“ said Stephanie Spurling, a 20-year nurse and lactation consultant at Brandon Hospital. “It’s rewarding for me to walk alongside them as they overcome any obstacles or hurdles they may encounter along the way. I find so much joy in helping moms experience this rewarding journey.”
 
Breastfeeding benefits for mother and baby:

1. Breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for baby. As a baby grows, the mother’s milk changes to meet the nutritional needs of the baby.
2. Breastfeeding can reduce the mother’s risk of breast cancer and other health concerns/diseases. Some cancers and type 2 diabetes are less common among women who breastfeed.
3. It’s convenient! Mothers can breastfeed their babies anytime, anywhere.
4. Breastfeeding shares antibodies. A mother’s milk helps provide antibodies that help protect a baby from illnesses.

1. Lactation room in hospital. The hospital provides a room for new moms to pump while at work.
2. Free back-to-work consultation for new moms. Lactation consultants provide the service to employees to help them return to work, while breastfeeding.
3. Breastfeeding class open to employees and community.