Breastfeeding/Lactation Support
Congratulations on the new baby that is now, or will soon be, part of your family! As you consider your goals for how to feed baby, know that we at CHCW are here to support and encourage you!
Providing your new baby with mother’s own milk has many benefits. Breastfeeding/
chestfeeding and pumping breastmilk decreases the chance of developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Having a diet primarily of breastmilk decreases your baby’s risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and a serious intestinal disease called necrotizing enterocolitis, as well as decreased risk of colic, constipation, eczema, pediatric obesity, and asthma.
Although providing breastmilk to babies is something the body was designed to do, this does not mean it is always straight forward. Everyone’s breastfeeding journey is different and many women benefit from a little individualized support.
At CHCW we are lucky enough to have Dr. Sheila Kredit, a family physician who practices obstetrics and also has additional credentials in the field of lactation. She is Board Certified in Breast Medicine and Lactation (NABBLM-C) and is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). She sees patients at Central Washington Family Medicine clinic but can take referrals from our other clinics including Yakima Pediatrics. She has visits set aside daily for this work as often problems with breastfeeding and lactation need prompt attention.
Dr. Kredit can assist with basic lactation support as well as more particular issues including but not limited to:
– Mastititis, engorgement, and plugged ducts
– Breast and nipple pain
– Medication management during breastfeeding
– Evaluating and treating low milk supply or oversupplym
– Pump problems
– Inducing lactation in surrogate parents
– Babies with weight loss or jaundice
– Tongue tie evaluation and release
– Providing breastmilk to infants with medical complications including prematurity, cleft lip/palate, congenital or genetic conditions, or a history of being in the NICU after birth