Every mom can benefit from breastfeeding support, even a mom with her doctorate
Dr. Megan Mills says new moms can always use support when it comes to breastfeeding, and she isn’t exempt. A doctor of osteopathic medicine, Mills is a pediatric resident at UK HealthCare and a mother of two girls.
She sought guidance from the UK HealthCare Mommy and Me Breastfeeding Clinic after the birth of her second child.
“Mommy & Me is still beneficial to me, even as a physician,” Dr. Mills explains. “Every baby is different, and everyone’s experience is different, so there is always more to learn.”
Mills experienced a smooth and happy delivery with her second child at UK HealthCare and noted the differences between that experience and her experience at an out-of-state hospital where she gave birth to her first child.
UK HealthCare is the only Baby-Friendly designated hospital in Lexington. The Baby-Friendly designation is an initiative by the World Health Organization to recognize hospitals that offer optimal evidence-based care for infant feeding and mother/baby bonding.
“The hospital I gave birth at previously was not a Baby-Friendly hospital, and I could tell a complete difference between the whole experience from the time my baby was delivered to the time that she was on my chest, and we were working on breastfeeding,” Dr. Mills says “At UK, we prioritize the bonding experience with Mom and baby. Babies are brought to their moms as soon as both mom and baby are stable to support bonding and breastfeeding. Lactation consultants are available in-house almost 24 hours a day and eager to help new moms on their breastfeeding journey right away.”
Mills experienced challenges breastfeeding with her first child and had very little lactation support. She was able to pump and bottle feed for over a year, but this was challenging. Going into her second pregnancy, having the opportunity to breastfeed directly was a top priority.
Shortly after the delivery of her second child, Dr. Mills attended the Mommy and Me Breastfeeding Clinic and was pleasantly surprised by how valuable networking can be in the breastfeeding journey.
With support from other healthcare professionals she met through attending the clinic, that breastfeeding dream became a reality for Dr. Mills.
“I didn’t have experience breastfeeding, so I felt like I needed a lot of help. I was familiar with the “teaching” of how to breastfeed from work and I knew what Mommy and Me could bring a mother, but experiencing it as a parent was much different. I’ve received so much more support this time around and I’m very appreciative to Mommy & Me for that.”
Through her experience with the clinic, Dr. Mills gained cheerleaders who have remained in her corner as a resource throughout her breastfeeding journey.
After experiencing for herself the highs and lows of breastfeeding, Dr. Mills notes that everyone’s journey looks different. She encourages mothers to embrace every learning opportunity and absorb as much information as possible. Remember that you are doing the best you can for your baby. Everyone’s knowledge about breastfeeding and breastfeeding supplies is different, so do not compare yourself to others. Breastfeeding can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.
The UK HealthCare Mommy and Me Breastfeeding Clinic is available to all moms who are breastfeeding. During your visit, your baby will be weighed and examined by a physician, and a lactation counselor will work with you to develop a plan to meet your breastfeeding needs.
The UK HealthCare Mommy and Me Breastfeeding Clinic is currently accepting new patients. Those who delivered at and outside of UK HealthCare are welcome.
Click here or call 859-323-6211 for more information.
