Breastfeeding is an effective way to help reduce infant illness, lower infant mortality and ensure a child's healthier future. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends mothers breastfeed their babies for at least 12 months. In the beginning, breastfeeding can be challenging for new mothers and babies. That's where Rapid City Regional Hospital's Lactation Consultants Nan Fitzgerald, RNC, BS IBCLC and Molly Meehan-Rasby, RN, BSN IBCLC step in.
They meet with new mothers and babies to provide breastfeeding assistance. They also educate the Maternal/Child, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Pediatric staffs about breastfeeding procedures and principles to promote and ensure consistency.