Breastfeeding

If you are a breastfeeding parent, whether this is your first child or not, you may need extra support to navigate any issues or concerns that you may have. Virginia Pediatric Group offers expert lactation and breastfeeding support for parents in Herndon, Great Falls, Aldie, and Fairfax, Virginia.

There's a wealth of breastfeeding benefits for both you and your baby.

1. Nutritional Superiority: Breast milk is uniquely designed to meet the nutritional needs of infants. It contains the perfect balance of nutrients, antibodies, and enzymes necessary for optimal growth and development.
2. Immune System Boost: Breast milk is rich in antibodies and immune-boosting factors that help protect infants from infections and illnesses, reducing the risk of diseases such as respiratory infections, ear infections, and gastrointestinal issues.
3. Digestive Health: Breastfeeding promotes the development of a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for proper digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall immune function.
4. Brain Development: Breast milk contains essential fatty acids like DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which are crucial for brain development and cognitive function.
5. Bonding and Comfort: Breastfeeding fosters a strong emotional bond between the baby and the lactating parent, providing comfort and security for the infant.

Benefits for the lactating parent:

1. Faster Postpartum Recovery: Breastfeeding triggers the release of oxytocin, which helps the uterus contract, reducing postpartum bleeding and promoting faster recovery after childbirth.
2. Weight Loss: Breastfeeding burns calories, which can aid in postpartum weight loss for the lactating parent.
3. Reduced Risk of Certain Diseases: Breastfeeding has been associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and type 2 diabetes.
4. Convenience and Cost-Effectiveness: Breastfeeding is convenient, as breast milk is always available at the right temperature, and it eliminates the need for formula preparation and sterilization, saving time and money.

For compassionate breastfeeding support, sign up for one of our group lactation classes or schedule an individual consultation with our lactation consultants.

Our “Lactation classes” are offered by our expert lactation consultants.  These classes cover a wide range of topics designed to provide expectant parents with valuable information and support to help them successfully breastfeed their babies including:

1. Educational Content: information about the benefits of breastfeeding for both the baby and the lactating parent, how breastfeeding works, latch and positioning techniques, understanding milk production, common challenges, and how to overcome them
2. Demonstrations: demonstrations for proper latch and positioning techniques using dolls or models
3. Breastfeeding Basics: parents will learn the basics of breastfeeding, including how to recognize hunger cues, how often to feed the baby, and fullness (satiety) cues
4. Community Support: opportunities for expectant parents to connect with other parents who are planning to breastfeed

And much more…