Breastfeeding: A Public Health Issue
As the amount of technology and interventions used in pregnancy and birth have increased, at the same time, breastfeeding rates have decreased. Carolyn welcomes back lactation consultant and childbirth educator Linda Smith to discuss the science of breastfeeding and human lactation.
"When a mother gives birth, the baby comes out, the placenta comes out, the milk comes in, and the sun rises in the east. She doesn’t have a choice whether to make milk or not. She can either give it directly, or indirectly, or throw it out. Because otherwise her breasts are going to fill with milk and she’ll be uncomfortable."
About Our Guest
Linda J. Smith, MPH, FACCE, IBCLC, FILCA is a lactation consultant, childbirth educator, author, and internationally-known consultant on breastfeeding and birthing issues. Linda is ILCA’s liaison to the World Health Organization’s Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative and consultant to INFACT Canada/IBFAN North America. As a La Leche League Leader and Lamaze-certified Childbirth Educator, she provided education and clinical support to diverse families over 45 years in 9 cities in the USA and Canada. Linda has worked in a 3-hospital system in Texas, a public health agency in Virginia, and served as Breastfeeding coordinator for the Ohio Department of Health. Linda recently served on the Board of Directors of La Leche League International; was a founder of IBLCE, founder and past board member of ILCA, and is a delegate to the United States Breastfeeding Committee from the American Breastfeeding Institute. Linda holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health and is currently an adjunct Instructor at the Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio and an affiliate faculty member of the Union Institute and University. She owns the Bright Future Lactation Resource Centre, on the Internet at www.BFLRC.com.
Resources
Baby Friendly USA Lamaze Healthy Birth Practices La Leche League International United States Breastfeeding Committee Healthy Children Project | The Magical Hour World Health Organization | Ten steps to successful breastfeeding World Health Organization | Intrapartum care for a positive childbirth experience Impact of Birthing Practices on Breastfeeding
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