While breastfeeding provides many benefits for you and your baby, the decision whether or not to do so is your choice. At Logansport Memorial Hospital, we will provide all the support you need to get started with breastfeeding, including having certified lactation consultants available to provide information and answer your questions.
Meet Lora Adams and Amanda Zarse
Lora Adams, RN, CLC and Amanda Zarse, RN, CLC are our Certified Lactation Consultants here at Logansport Memorial Hospital. They work with new moms to get the best start in their breastfeeding journey, and support them to the end. Read below for more information about Lora and Amanda, and their role as lactation consultants.
How long have you worked at Logansport Memorial Hospital?
"I have been a nurse for 10 years, and have been at Logansport Memorial Hospital for 7 years." L.A.
"I have been at Logansport Memorial Hospital for 9 years as a Labor & Delivery/Postpartum nurse. In January 2021, I transitioned into my new role as a full-time Certified Lactation Counselor." A.Z.
What does a Certified Lactation Consultant do?
"We support moms who are breastfeeding by helping them obtain proper positioning and a proper latch of their baby to the breast, which ultimately is what will allow their body to produce enough milk. We also help mothers maintain lactation when they are separated from their baby and follow breastfeeding mothers through their first year after birth. We offer knowledge and are able to correct issues that may arise." L.A.
"As a CLC, I have the knowledge to help promote breastfeeding, provide support to our patients, and encourage them to meet their breastfeeding goals. I spend time at the patient's bedside to observe feedings while they are here in the hospital to educate and reassure mothers, whether this is their first baby or their fifth. I collaborate with the rest of the OB nurses and pediatricians to ensure the best feeding outcomes and provide recommendations along the way. I can answer questions, alleviate concerns, and help to correct any feeding issues that arise. We also try to involve the father or support person in our plan of care. We can also help to provide breast pumps to those who need them or plan to exclusively pump." A.Z.
What advice do you have for mothers who are breastfeeding?
"The best advice I have for our breastfeeding mothers is to ask for help when having concerns with latching, a sleepy baby, milk supply issues... anything. I say this from a personal experience with my first baby. I struggled with getting him to latch and even though I was working on OB at the time, where a lactation consultant was available, I never sought out the support I needed. I gave up too soon and regretted not reaching out. Breastfeeding can be challenging at times, especially in the beginning, but no one should have to struggle. Asking for help from our lactation specialist at the time created a more successful experience with my second baby. Finding support and even just talking to someone, like Lora and myself, about breastfeeding can provide all the reassurance you need to know that you are not alone and that we can help." A.Z.
What impact can a lactation consultant have on a mother's success with breastfeeding?
"It has a huge impact! In order to be successful with breastfeeding long term, you will need a lot of support. Even if you have breastfed your other children, it is still likely that problems will arise and questions might come up to which you might not have the answers. If you are a new mom, there are so many unknowns that can cause stress. This ultimately can lead to you stopping breastfeeding because it is very overwhelming in the beginning. Our support can drastically increase the amount of time you spend breastfeeding your infant." L.A.
"The impact of lactation support goes along with my previous statement regarding support. I agree with Lora that support is a huge part of a mother's success. In supporting the mother, we can try to help reduce the amount of stress she may have. Whether it's an issue with latching or breast pain, if we can correct it -- that essentially helps to put the mother at ease and allow her to sit back and enjoy the rest of her breastfeeding journey and not have to worry." A.Z.
What resources are available to mothers wanting to learn more about successful breastfeeding?
"Before you deliver, come to a breastfeeding class here at the hospital. Prepare by educating yourself on what to expect. You will learn a lot and have some knowledge base before your baby arrives. After delivery, ourselves (along with our breastfeeding-trained OB staff) will support you during the first 48 hours and help you get through that 2nd night when most babies want to be up all night. Once you are discharged, we offer all of our breastfeeding mothers outpatient, face-to-face visits with one of us (lactation consultants). We strongly encourage all new moms to utilize this resource even if everything seems to be going well. If you choose not to schedule an appointment, we will follow up with you within 72 hours of discharge.
We also have a Facebook group that is a great place to go when you have questions and need a quick response if it is after business hours. We have a team of nurses that have all breastfed their own babies who will jump on and answer any questions you might have, and Amanda and myself respond quickly too. I strongly recommend that you jump on and join us! As we move to offer more resources and support for our breastfeeding mothers, the Facebook group is also a great way to be updated on resources, including new events and support groups." L.A.
"During a mother's inpatient stay, we provide breastfeeding assistance at the bedside and then follow up with a phone call, text message, or an in-person visit in our lactation office. We have a breastfeeding support group on Facebook, and Lora and myself are members. We, along with other breastfeeding mothers, can help answer questions and simply share our breastfeeding success stories to help boost confidence to those who may need it." A.Z.
Additional comments
"Amanda and myself are committed to helping you be successful with breastfeeding long term. No matter what, you will hit bumps in the road. Please let us know about these bumps so that we can walk you through them. We are both passionate about your success, and will do what it takes to make sure you get to that sweet spot of breastfeeding, which is where the love really grows." L.A.
"I love being able to watch the bond grow between a new baby and their mother. Breastfeeding is a good way to help promote that. My own personal experiences with breastfeeding have allowed me to create my own bond with my patients. I love hearing from a mother later on down the road and know that she was able to meet her breastfeeding goals. Knowing that I could be a part of that success story is very rewarding." A.Z.
The support you need, when you need it
Our team of board-certified OB/GYNs, pediatricians, caring nurses, and certified lactation consultants provides the comprehensive and personalized care that has earned us the designation as a Baby-Friendly hospital.
We'll be here for you every step of the way, providing you with the support and resources you need. To speak with one of our lactation consultants, call (574) 753-1705. Not sure if breastfeeding is right for you? Download our Breastfeeding Guide, here.
Join our Facebook support group!
