The Milk Van helps moms navigate breastfeeding

MASSILLON − In the days after giving birth to her first child, Abbi Yakunich planned to breastfeed.

Studies show that mother's milk is rich with nutrients and antibodies which last a lifetime.

But soon after Yankuich and her partner, Brandon Denham, brought their son, Paxton home, he struggled to latch on, and Yakunich struggled to produce enough of a supply.

What milk she could provide upset the baby's stomach.

"He got cramped up every time," Denham recalled. "With both of us getting back to work, it was easier to use formula."

Yakunich said she felt guilt and disappointment.

"I was upset that I couldn't do that for him," she said.

The popular narrative that breastfeeding occurs easily and naturally often runs contrary to the truth, says Carol Frient, a longtime family friend and certified lactation expert.

She owns the Milk Van, a mobile breastfeeding consultation service.

"New moms just expect things not to be complicated," Frient said. "She had the baby on the weekend and was struggling to feed him. Sometimes with first babies it is complicated."

While Yakunich was in the hospital before delivering Paxton, her mother, Steph Romeo, contacted Frient.

"The earlier I get to see the mom, the better," Frient said. "Any amount of mother's milk is good. However far you get in the journey, I'll support you."

Frient said many factors can impact a mother's ability to breastfeed, an infant's ability to digest a mother's milk, and even the quality of a breast pump.

The first priority, she said, is the baby's well-being.

"There are a lot of different reasons for cramping," Frient said. "For Abbi, a baby is crying. What is a mother going to do? Moms should do what they can. Happy feeds are easier on a baby's stomach. We need to do what's right for everyone."

Romeo and Frient's daughter, Sarah Del Bianco, grew up together.

"Her daughter and I have been lifelong friends," Romeo said. "She's like my second mom."

A mother of 11, Frient said she breastfed all eight of her natural children, and one of her three adopted children. But she said that she, too, had to learn.

For example, breastfeeding mothers need to express milk at least 10 times a day.

"I didn't know I had to keep milk going," she said with a laugh.

Frient said her own mother had struggles with breastfeeding her because Frient suffered from eczema.

"She tried formula, but it made it worse," she said. "Some babies can eat anything, anywhere. Every mother is different."

About 35 years ago, Frient got involved with the La Leche League, an international nonprofit that offers advocacy, education and training related to breastfeeding in 89 countries.

"I took the test and became an international board-certified lactation consultant," she said. "It's a wonderful job. I enjoy it."

A graduate of Malone University, Frient has worked at the former Alliance Community Hospital and the NICU at Akron Children's Hospital; for the Women's Infants and Children's nutrition program; and currently at a doctor's office.

She said she decided to start the Milk Van after taking an informal survey of new mothers.

"I interviewed moms in parks who told me that when they get home from the hospital, that's when breastfeeding falls apart," she said. "That's when I started the Milk Van because that's when moms need the most help."

Frient said she became a lactation expert and a doula because young mothers don't always get the support − or credit − they deserve for childbirth and the work that goes into breastfeeding.

Romeo and Frient laud Yakunich for trying.

"You take care of the mom so she can care for the baby," Frient said. "Give her lots of credit."

In April, Congress passed the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act, or PUMP Act, which grants mothers workplace accommodations to pump breast milk.

Frient said she's gratified whenever she runs into a mother she's helped in the past.

"Get your help as early as you can," she said. "It will really change things."

To learn more, contact Frient at 330-494-7369, or visit www.lactilou@yahoo.com.

Reach Charita at 330-580-8313 or charita.goshay@cantonrep.com.

On Twitter: @cgoshayREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Lactation expert starts mobile service for breastfeeding moms