Science & Sensibility

Lamaze International recognizes World Breastfeeding Week and National Breastfeeding Month with a press release and comments by Lamaze International President Michele Deck, in support of breastfeeding and recognition that barriers still exist that support continued breastfeeding of newborns,  infants and beyond.

77% of new mothers initiate breastfeeding at birth and there has been increases in breastfeeding rates at six months and twelve months, according to the just released “Breastfeeding Report Card – United States 2012,” published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Michele Deck explains the significant role childbirth educators have in helping new mothers prepare for and find support during their breastfeeding relationship with their child;

“While breastfeeding is natural, it doesn’t always come naturally,” said Deck. “Many moms have difficulties establishing breastfeeding and some of this may be due to birth practices that aren’t the best for moms and babies. Pregnant women can help to push for the best birth and breastfeeding experiences by using childbirth education to understand the most common barriers and how to navigate them.”

“Scientific research shows breastfeeding helps ensure babies are well nourished, protected against disease, and given the best chance to develop optimally. What women need most often is good information and support to get breastfeeding off to a good start, and to help them reach their breastfeeding goals.”

Valuable resources and information for expecting parents, like Lamaze’s Push for Your Baby, are aimed at giving expecting parents the tools to push for the best care practices for moms and babies, including those that support breastfeeding education and awareness.

Lamaze calls out the following top five breastfeeding barriers within the first 24 hours of birth to help expecting moms prepare for the best breastfeeding experience:

1. Unnecessary birth interventions
2. Separating mom and baby
3. Use of pacifiers or other artificial nipples before breastfeeding is well established
4. Supplementing breastmilk with formula
5. Lack of postpartum breastfeeding support

Sharon Muza Babies, Breastfeeding, Childbirth Education, Healthy Birth Practices, Healthy Care Practices, Infant Attachment, Newborns, Parenting an Infant, Practice Guidelines, Push for Your Baby, Research, Social Media breastfeeding, breastfeeding statistics, breastfeeding support, Healthy Birth Practices, Lamaze International, Michele Deck, newborns, press release

Each of us has many titles in both our personal and professional lives.
I have a new title, “President of Lamaze International.”  I feel honored and deeply responsible to spread the message of our mission and plans for the year.
I have been in the company of many of my Lamaze “heroes” and now find myself in the unique position of spreading our message  in the company of many of those heroes.  We are the ultimate advocates for safe and healthy birth that is evidence based and research supported.  We are Lamaze.

I love my title of “mom.” Although it has been several years since the birth of my three daughters, I have been able to see birth through their eyes, as they are all new mothers themselves.  I have seen my youngest daughter seek advice and information from a variety of internet-based sources, many of which are not the best, most reliable bits of information, but are based on anecdotal, high tech recommendations of online strangers who are her age.  I have seen some of the latest myths and misperceptions, and I have gently guided her and her friends to the right sources.   I have taught her and her friends Lamaze classes, as well as many, many other pregnant women.

I inherited the title of “Emie” (my grandmother name) seven years ago.  I was present at the births of my grandchildren and have marveled at the strength and determination of each of my girls as they adjust to the responsibilities, challenges and joys of motherhood.  They have become strong advocates of optimal treatments and advice for themselves and their little ones, all ten of them.

At the Steering Change for Safe and Healthy Birth Conference in Fort Worth last month, I adopted another title.  I was invited to proudly say, “I am Lamaze.”   We are each the face of Lamaze to our family, friends, and community.  I hope to wear that title proudly. This is why those of us who have many years of Lamaze teaching experience have rebranded our message and are moving forward to reach and teach the current generation of women about making choices for their own safe and healthy births.  We are adapting our formats and our tools to make our message reachable and teachable around the world.  Those of us who have done this passionately for many years are also in the position to mentor the next generation of Lamaze leaders and I look forward to that opportunity   We are expanding our consumer education online to introduce ourselves to the newest generation of expectant parents, and to make people aware of the need for Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educators in their communities.  We are increasing our footprint in the nursing and medical world through workshops and seminars.  We have big plans to grow the organization now and in the future.  I invite you to become an active part of our organization by sharing your time, talents and titles.

Thank you for letting me share time and titles with you.

Posted by:  Michele Deck, RN, MEd, BSN, LCCE, FACCE

Uncategorized importance of titles, Lamaze Board of Directors, Lamaze International, Lamaze president, Lamaze's mission, Michele Deck