Celebrating World Breastfeeding Month with UPHS – Bell Lactation Consultant Christie Ferrari, DNP

For some women, establishing breastfeeding can come with relative ease. For others, it can be challenging — taking significant time and effort to settle into a strong rhythm with baby. Moms in the wake of new parenthood can be assured that facing barriers in infant feeding is common — you are not alone. It's not a one-size-fits-all approach and success depends on many factors, including access to support. 

According to the CDC, breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for most infants and can reduce the risk of certain health conditions in both infants and mothers. It is recommended for infants until they are at least six months old, but oftentimes a lack of support can hinder new parents' ability to meet this recommendation or their own personal goals. The support of family, communities, providers, health care systems and employers can greatly improve outcomes, which is why UP Health System – Bell is proud to offer lactation support for patients, from pregnancy through the postpartum phase. 

Christie Ferrari, DNP, is a certified lactation consultant, advocating for and empowering women and families before and during lactation. Opening up to someone new during what many women would consider the most vulnerable time in their lives could be uncomfortable, but lactation consultants are trained to offer nurturing and compassionate support. Many, like Christie, are mothers themselves and can relate to patients on a more personal level of understanding. 

To celebrate World Breastfeeding Month (August), we did a Q&A with Christie, touching on the basics of lactation consulting, its benefits and how you can get support. 

Q: Describe your role as a certified lactation consultant:

A: As a certified lactation consultant, I assist women and families with any lactation support they may need. This includes breastfeeding, pumping, milk supply issues, emotional support, and ways to involve support persons. 

Q: What are some benefits of breastfeeding, for both mom and baby?

A: There are many advantages for both mom and baby. While bonding is a major benefit for both, breastmilk is filled with powerful nutrients to help with brain development and immunity support, with several other long-term benefits as well, like a reduced risk of obesity and chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and some types of cancer later in life. 

Q: What are some barriers breastfeeding moms may face? How can lactation services help to overcome these challenges and allow them to establish or continue breastfeeding? 

A: There are a variety of issues both new and experienced moms face with breastfeeding. This can include a poor latch, pain, decreased or increased milk supply, pumping issues, clogged ducts or infections like mastitis, etc. Having support from a lactation consultant can help to review the basics of breastfeeding and how to help overcome any issues families are facing. 

Q: When should a mom seek help from a lactation consultant?

A: Anytime during pregnancy or postpartum. Ideally, seeking education earlier on in pregnancy will help with the transition and better manage expectations. 

Q: What is your favorite part of your role?

A: I am passionate about maternal and infant health, so any time I can provide education or tips I've learned from clinical and personal experience is the best!  Having children of my own, I understand the various struggles of postpartum that arise as well. 

Q: How can a new mom’s support system be helpful while she’s breastfeeding?

A: Family and friends can support breastfeeding moms by seeking out education on the benefits of breast milk to help them become strong advocates. They can also help by providing access to things like care for other children in the home while mom is breastfeeding or in need of rest, nutritional items to support milk production, and emotional support. 

Q: Any tips or resources you’d like to share to encourage or empower women who are breastfeeding or planning to in the future?

A: You are the best mom for your baby and know your body and baby best! 

Q: If someone is looking for help, how do they get an appointment with you? 

A: Women can schedule an appointment with me through UP Health System – Bell | Family Medicine online or via phone by calling the clinic at 906.485.2687. I'm located at 901 Lakeshore Drive, Ste. 203 in Ishpeming. I'm also available to offer inpatient support for new parents in our Birthing Center.