Local woman overcomes challenges to exclusively breastfeed and donate excess milk
HOLLAND, Mich., Aug. 6, 2024 — From breastfeeding struggles to a bountiful supply, Naomi Timmerman’s journey is an inspiring testament to maternal resilience. This West Michigan mom faced challenges nursing her preterm baby, but with unwavering determination and expert support from Holland Hospital, she triumphed. Not only did she achieve exclusive breastfeeding, but she also turned her milk into liquid gold for other babies in need, donating an incredible 10 gallons to local milk banks.
Throughout National Breastfeeding Month, which takes place annually in August, Holland Hospital emphasizes the crucial role that support groups play in a mother's breastfeeding journey. Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the ideal way to nourish newborns, providing essential nutrients and antibodies that contribute to a baby's overall health and development. Holland Hospital is dedicated to supporting new mothers through this critical stage by offering a weekly support group, Breastfeeding Connections.
“I didn’t know what to expect at first,” recalled Timmerman. “I planned on breastfeeding right away and I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. It’s a private thing that can be tough to ask for help with, but it’s so worth it to get that bond with your child.”
Created with that concept in mind, Breastfeeding Connections is specifically tailored for mothers and babies and is offered until families no longer need support. The group offers a welcoming and supportive space for mothers to connect with other new parents, ask questions, and receive guidance from experienced, board-certified lactation consultants. During the session, parents also have the option to get their baby's weight checked, and schedule follow-up appointments for additional support if needed.
“I was fully on board to come to the breastfeeding support group,” Timmerman said. “Every time I went they taught me something new. Whether it was positioning or working on a better latch, they were super helpful and encouraging.”
Beyond the baby-mother bond, breastfeeding offers many advantages, including providing essential nutrients and antibodies that strengthen a baby's immune system. However, the early weeks can often present challenges for new mothers. Research shows a decline within the first few months for U.S. moms and common reasons mothers cite for stopping include low milk supply, latching difficulties, concerns about baby's satisfaction, and nipple soreness.
Fortunately, many of these challenges can be addressed with proper guidance. Recognizing this, Holland Hospital’s Boven Birth Center prioritizes hands-on education to empower mothers for long-term breastfeeding success. Their lactation support starts in the hospital with personalized coaching and continues after discharge.
“It was slow and challenging at first but about four months later, I was nursing him one day and I thought ‘Wow, this isn’t hard anymore’,” Timmerman reflected. “The support I received during Breastfeeding Connections got me from nursing twice a day to nursing all day and switching to nursing at night when I was previously bottle feeding.”
Sarah Moelker, lactation consultant at Holland Hospital, shared that Breastfeeding Connections provides a time when mothers can receive guidance, confidence, and support to meet their breastfeeding goals. “We are there to assist with a breastfeeding session and to answer specific questions the mother has. Our classes offer a special way to encourage mothers along the lakeshore by providing a continuation of care beyond the hospital stay and offering support throughout their breastfeeding journey.”
Further, the hospital and its providers recognize the transformative power of breastfeeding support and advocate that lakeshore mothers participate in its free support group, which offers a safe space for mothers to connect with peers, share experiences, and gain invaluable knowledge from lactation consultants. Joining a breastfeeding support group offers a wealth of benefits for new mothers, including:
- Receiving expert guidance as board-certified lactation consultants offer personalized advice and solutions to breastfeeding challenges.
- Offering peer support by connecting with other mothers on a similar journey, fostering a sense of community and reducing feelings of isolation.
- Instilling a confidence boost by sharing successes and overcoming challenges together, building confidence, and empowering participants to persevere in their goals.
- Reducing stress through a supportive environment that centers around promoting a more positive breastfeeding experience overall.
The support group offers comprehensive care, staffed by volunteers including retired Boven Birth Center nurses and BBC Parent Advocates. These dedicated professionals provide emotional and mental health support, helping parents navigate the joys and challenges of welcoming a new baby.
“Get help, it’s worth it,” said Timmerman. “It was encouraging to know I wasn’t the only one struggling. It doesn’t have to be difficult. Even going just once, you will want to go more. The lactation consultants were super encouraging and kind. It was such a great experience.”
Breastfeeding Connections is held weekly from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in the Holland Hospital Conference Rooms. No registration is required, and drop-ins are welcome. Learn more about Holland Hospital’s classes online at hollandhospital.org/classes.