Nurturing the bond between mother and baby

The first few hours after a baby’s birth are an ideal time to begin breastfeeding. Early breastfeeding can help establish the natural bond between mother and baby, and newborns breastfed within an hour of birth can experience many health benefits, including protection from common viruses and diseases such as jaundice. On Aug. 6 and 7, MGH employees, patients and visitors learned these and many other facts about breastfeeding as the hospital celebrated World Breastfeeding Week with the theme, “Breastfeeding: The First Hour – Welcome Baby Softly.”

“This theme celebrates the importance of early closeness between mother and baby,” says Germaine Lambergs, RN, MGH lactation consultant (pictured above). “We call on all health care professionals who work with mothers and their babies to create a welcoming environment that greets babies softly.”

A longtime supporter of breastfeeding, the MGH offers many resources to meet the needs of both breastfeeding patients and employees. Mothers who deliver their babies at the hospital have access to lactation consultants and certified lactation counselors, as well as a mother’s support group and prenatal breastfeeding classes. MGH employees can take advantage of breastfeeding workshops and the Mothers’ Corner program— offered by the Partners Employee Assistance Program (EAP) — which provides private, comfortable pumping rooms so mothers can continue breastfeeding even after returning to work.

For more information about breastfeeding resources at the MGH, contact Marianne Pastore, RN, at mpastore@partners.org. For more information about the EAP Mothers’ Corner Program, contact Allison Lilly at aclilly@partners.org.