Methodist Health System | Methodist Mansfield Medical Center | Shine | Summer 2015

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We’re helping moms give babies a
healthy start by
w Exclusively encouraging breast milk over
formula for infants
w Providing donor breast milk for premature
babies and babies in neonatal intensive care
w Offering community education about
breastfeeding’s benefits and best practices
The amazing power
of breast milk
Most people are aware of breast milk’s
nutritional value — its remarkable ability
to give babies the perfect mix of fat, sugar,
water, and protein that they need for an
optimum diet.
But good nutrition isn’t breastfeeding’s
only benefit.
“Besides being helpful for infant-
mother bonding, breastfeeding
can reduce an infant’s chances of
developing complications that lead to
neonatal illness and death,” says Vicki
Wiseman, MBA, BSN, BA, RNC-ON,
director of nursing at Methodist Mansfield
Medical Center. “And unlike formula,
breast milk has antibodies that can protect
a baby from a range of illnesses, like ear
infections, diarrhea, and pneumonia.
Some of these benefits are believed to last
throughout the baby’s life.”
Known for supporting moms
Methodist Mansfield is designated by
the Texas Department of State Health
Services as a Texas Ten Step Hospital
for its encouragement of breastfeeding
as the preferred method of nutrition for
newborns and infants. The encouragement
starts in our childbirth preparation classes.
“Our classes are a wonderful
opportunity for new moms to learn
more about breastfeeding basics,
positioning techniques, and other topics,”
Wiseman says.
In addition, on-site certified lactation
consultants are available to patients before,
during, and after their hospital stays.
“Sometimes moms develop
questions or problems after they
go home,” Wiseman says. “We
offer a one-hour follow-up
that allows the lactation
consultant to reeducate
or troubleshoot in cases
where new moms may
need help.”
In fact, Wiseman
sees education as
the cornerstone of
Methodist Mansfield’s
breastfeeding program.
“While we believe that
breastfeeding is best, we support
moms who decide to bottle-feed
if they feel it’s the right choice,”
Wiseman says.
“Our job is to educate moms so that
they can make an informed decision.”
6 Methodist Mansfield Medical Center • Summer 2015
WOMEN’S HEALTH