'You just need support': Fayetteville breastfeeding advocates say benefit for babies worth it

Breastfeeding can be difficult, but the benefit for babies makes it worth the effort, consultants who help mothers of newborns say.

Nina Torelli, an inpatient lactation consultant at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center and mother of three said she exclusively breastfed all three of her children.

“Every time was hard,” she said.

Cumberland County resources: What pregnancy/postpartum resources does the Cumberland County Health Department offer?

Torelli said that her second and third child experienced tied tongues, which makes latching on the breast very difficult.

“The bottom of their tongue can’t reach past their gums. In order to have an effective latch, the breastfeeding baby has to be able to push their tongue all the way out to cup the breast,” she said. “If baby can’t push their tongue out of their mouth at all, they can’t get a good latch.”

In order to resolve the issue, the piece of skin connecting the underside of the tongue to the bottom of the mouth is cut with a laser, Torelli said. The procedure is quick, and the baby is fed soon after surgery to promote proper latching, she said.

As a lactation consultant, Torelli’s job is to assist mothers during the latch and feeding process at the hospital. She said she’s never heard a mother say breastfeeding is easy.

“It doesn’t matter what you know — a lot of time, you just need support,” she said. “It’s hard work.”

Breastfeeding provides many benefits to babies, such as building a strong immune system and preventing obesity, Torelli said. In contrast, formula isn’t naturally made and can be hard on a baby’s stomach, she said.

The World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that babies be exclusively breast or formula fed during the first six months.

If a mother is struggling to produce milk, they should increase latching and pumping, Torelli said, but if all options have been exhausted, there is also medication that can assist.

Torelli said one reason why women may want to breastfeed instead of formula feed is due to the current formula shortage. A common myth is that once breastfeeding has stopped, a mother cannot restart her milk supply. It's not true, she said.

Formula shortage: Here's how the baby formula shortage is affecting Cumberland County families

“A mom who’s had a baby and has lactated and has now stopped, can re-lactate,” she said. “It is not impossible.”

Breastfeeding Awareness Month is important because there are still many people out there who believe mothers shouldn’t breastfeed in public, Torelli said, but it’s normal.

State law exempts breastfeeding, including the uncovering of the nipple, in a public location from falling under public indecency.

In addition to the Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, women living in Fayetteville can also receive lactation advice and support through other sources.

Sarah Lester, owner of LATCH Breastfeeding and Postpartum Wellness Center, said she supports public breastfeeding.

“There are some people who think … breastfeeding is nasty,” she said.

As a way to support mothers through their breastfeeding journeys, the center offers a free breastfeeding support and infant play group. Infant play groups allow mothers to come together and allow their infants to play together while being able to socialize.

“Because it’s a military town, people don’t have their ‘village’ so to speak,” Lester said. “Here, a lot of people don’t have family members nearby, and they need the support of others.”

Lester, a mother of three, breastfeeds her youngest, who is now 4 years old, and said no one has ever criticized her.

“They know just to mind their business,” she said.

Lester reminds mothers not to let one bad day ruin their breastfeeding journey.

For more information, follow the center on Facebook or visit the center online at www.nclatch.com. A referral to be seen at the center is not needed, and all insurance is accepted, Lester said. The center is located in Fayetteville at 154C Bow St.

The center will be hosting a free event, called the North Carolina Birth & Baby Expo, starting at 10 a.m. Oct. 8 on Bow Street.

Health and education writer Ariana-Jasmine Castrellon can be reached at acastrellon@gannett.com or 910-486-3561.

Huge savings: $1 for 3 months

Subscribe today to support local journalism and enjoy unlimited digital access including videos, apps, sports news, and more. Special introductory offer for new subscribers only.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: August National Breastfeeding Awareness Month Cumberland County