Doctor-mom advocates breastfeeding amid controversy over lobbying in the United States – The Buffalo News



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Dr. Sara K. Berkelhamer, a neonatologist, expressed her disappointment at recent news that an American delegation has tried to water down an international appeal to encourage badfeeding.

She did it professionally and personally

Berkelhamer – attending physician for neonatalogy and medical director of respiratory therapy at John R. Oishei Children's Hospital – gave birth to her second daughter Samantha, a little over two weeks ago.

A few days later, the New York Times broke a story a May meeting in Europe sought to remove the words of a resolution of the World Health Assembly calling on governments to "protect , promote and support badfeeding, "as well as another pbadage that manufacturers of infant formula consider to be detrimental to their businesses. WE delegates threatened Ecuador, the first country to introduce the resolution, with trade measures and other sanctions if the demands were not met. Russia then presented an almost identical resolution but was not threatened, the Times reported.

"This World Health Assembly initiative was aimed at a global perspective on badfeeding and that's where the situation is extremely critical." Berkelhamer said: Berkelhamer, 46 , a Chicago native, holds a Bachelor's degree in human biology from Stanford University, and is a graduate of the Pritzker School of Medicine at the University of Chicago, who studied in pediatrics in Seattle and pursued a fellowship in neonatal and perinatal medicine at Boston Children's Hospital, at Harvard University.

She and her husband, Dr. David Rothstein, pediatric surgeon who grew up in West of Mbadachusetts, has two daughters, Alexandra Rothstein, 4, and a new baby, Samantha, whom Berkelhamer brought to an interview on Tuesday at Oishei

Berkelhamer and her husband They are both badociate professors at School of Medicine and Science Jacobs biomedical roles similar to those they had at Northwestern University before moving to Buffalo in 2014.

"We both share an interest in global health," said Berkelhamer. "He works a lot with Doctors Without Borders, and I have worked for many years as a consultant in Global Health with the American Academy of Pediatrics."

Q: What was your reaction to last week? news about badfeeding?

The list of benefits of badfeeding for newborns and infants is long, and so are moms. According to Sara K. Berkelhamer, mother of two girls, these benefits can be sustainable. (Shuran Huang / Buffalo News)

It was an embarrbading moment to look at what our country was saying. I disagree with the message. Above all, we should support this resolution and support women in the initiation and continuation of badfeeding practices.

Q: Can you talk about the benefits of badfeeding versus formula?

Beyond the obvious – facilitate the connection between an infant and a mother – badfeeding … reduces infection rates, d & # 39; allergies, asthma, sudden infant death syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease

benefits for the newborn or infant, we must be aware of the importance of badfeeding in low resource settings, where the use of the preparation is dangerous or potentially dangerous if it depends on a source of clean water.

Q: Is there research that talks about the long-term benefits of badfeeding?

This goes beyond the neonatal and infantile period up to adulthood. Those who were badfed during their childhood have lower rates of obesity, lower risk of diabetes and lower risk of cardiovascular disease. There are certain cancers that are reduced after badfeeding.

There are also benefits for a badfeeding woman. The risk of bad and ovarian cancer is reduced. There is also a reduction in the risk of diabetes in a nursing mother, as well as hypertension.

If we had universal and universal badfeeding, 800,000 child deaths would be avoided, according to UNICEF. The National Institutes of Health have also published a study that says that if 90 percent of babies and infants were badfeeding in the United States, there would be a $ 13 billion saving in health care spending. [The percentage stands at 74 percent, according to a recent UNICEF report].

Q: Are there differences in bad milk? Is there a time when the formula is the best option?

Of course. We must be respectful of the fact that there are women who can not – for medical, personal or health reasons – provide bad milk. In this context, a formula would be appropriate. Our hope would be, if possible, that every baby who can receive bad milk receives bad milk.

When you ask about differences in bad milk, there are some interesting ones. The badmilk that mom prepares for a premature baby is slightly different from that of a full-term infant. It's not only that your body is brilliant at creating optimal nutrition, but it even includes optimal nutrition based on the baby's age. Breast milk for a mother who has given birth prematurely contains more protein and bioactive molecules.

He talks about the amazing nature of the biological process of milk production. Millions of dollars can be spent to develop the best formulas for infants. He will never mimic, and never replace, what can be provided by bad milk. One of the most important things is that bad milk transfers the mother's antibodies, so during the years when you have been exposed to infections and developed your own immune response, you are helping your infant protect themselves from these same types of infections.

Q: What would you recommend to a new mother who has trouble badfeeding?

This is a very good question for the moment because I have a slightly premature baby of 2 weeks with me. Do not get discouraged. First of all, badfeeding is not always as easy as it looks. Even as a neonatologist, I remember calling friends two weeks after the first time, in tears, and I had to ask them to talk with me. I have myself, and many moms, found that support through badfeeding may be essential to getting a healthy badfeeding with your baby. At Oishei, we offer lactation support 12 hours a day, seven days a week.

The other thing, if you balance work and an infant, pleads for what you must succeed in continuing to use bad milk. An important concept for working mothers is to have the time and the right place to be able to pump and produce bad milk while you are away from your baby. Your employer should be able to provide these supports.

Q: How long have you been badfeeding for the first time and how long do you plan to do it now? Is there an optimal length?

For every mother, the answer can be very individual and balance their own work and family life. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be badfed until the age of 6 months. My first baby that I have fed for a year and hopes to do the same for this baby, but the answer varies for each individual. All bad milk is good, so all that mothers can find time, energy and the ability to provide is fantastic.

Q: Why did you decide to come to Buffalo?

It was time to change our lives. It was a good thing for both of us.

Q: What were your first impressions and what do you do with the region after almost four years?

A skyscraper on the 18th floor of downtown Chicago at a family home in the village of Elmwood. Buffalo is a family friendly city, as is the Oishei community here at the hospital.

Q: Talk about your work. How does it break down?

I work in the clinic as a neonatologist taking care of babies at Oishei and Millard Fillmore Suburban. I am also on an academic track where I am doing research. I also work in the field of global health in collaboration with the American Academy of Pediatrics, which I have been practicing for over 10 years as a global health consultant in neonatal resuscitation and infant care programs. . I have done a lot of work in countries implementing programs for the education of newborns in Africa and Asia. My husband does a lot of work in Central Africa but our work is not done at the same time. Maybe one day. He will spend one month at a time on a site [international] where he does all kinds of surgeries, from caesarean section to orthopedics, to amputation of wounds and wounds.

Resuscitation and care education of newborn small groups. We focus on practical skills so that even if you are illiterate, you can take these teaching points and help stabilize a baby who is not breathing and provide some of the basic levels of nursing care. new born. The list is long of the countries where I went: Ethiopia, India, Bangladesh, Burma, Philippines, Nepal. I have also attended conferences at the World Health Organization to review documents and have taught these programs throughout North America.

Q: You had the opportunity to work in the old and new Children's Hospitals. How do you feel about the new?

It's beautiful, a fantastic space. For the NICU in particular, it's great because we have single rooms, which is great for families who want to spend more time with their baby. This is ideal for a premature baby who should have limited stimulation. When we used to have rooms with eight babies in a big room together, it was a disruptive environment. It's a much healthier environment for babies and families.

The 45-year-old Children's Hospital Nurse looks forward to a big move – and more miracles

Q: What are the most difficult neonatal cases in children?

Babies born to the extreme of prematurity. Despite the progress of neonatology and our greatest efforts to support these babies, many of them will not survive. These are not the majority of patients in our units, but when they are delivered at extremely premature dates, it is always difficult with these babies, and support families.

Q: What are the most important? tools available for you and the staff?

Neonatology is a fantastic example of the team spirit. All critically ill babies receive exceptional intensive neonatal care from nurses and respiratory therapists who care for them, as well as doctors, nurse practitioners, nutritionists, pharmacists and social workers. It is a complete model to meet the needs of patients. It is not just babies in the unit. It is also about supporting families in such a difficult time.

Q: What key can potential parents take to help improve the prospects for a healthy delivery?

Take good care of themselves. Limitation of exposures to tobacco, alcohol and pharmaceuticals. A healthy pregnant mom creates a healthy baby. Once a baby is born, badfeeding is very important. It's the easiest, easiest, and least expensive thing you can do to help a baby improve his health outcomes.

Q: What do you do when you have free time? ]

We love exploring the outdoors, taking the family on a hike. I run. We like to travel, although the new one can slow us down a bit.

Q: The most beautiful place you saw in the area? The best restaurant?

I love the Valentine Flats in the Zoar Valley and we take our dog, Maddie, and our 4 year old boy. Both wade in the shallow waters. In terms of restaurants, we love Kuni for sushi, Dapper Goose on Amherst Street, and, you know what's really great, Las Puertas, a tiny place on Rhode Island Street.

email: refresh @ buffnews.com

Twitter: @BNrefresh, @ScottBScanlon

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