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Jocelyn Ramirez of Harnett County Health Department outlines breastfeeding benefits, feeding signs and local support
Summary
In a recorded Q&A, Jocelyn Ramirez, a breastfeeding peer counselor with the Harnett County Health Department, described health benefits of breast milk for infants and mothers, offered guidance on feeding frequency and latch issues, and provided local WIC and health department contact information.
Jocelyn Ramirez, a breastfeeding peer counselor with the Harnett County Health Department, told listeners that “breast milk is what babies are meant to eat,” and described multiple health benefits for infants and mothers during a recorded question-and-answer session.
Ramirez said breast milk is easily digestible, tailored to an individual baby’s needs and helps with bonding and soothing. She listed infant benefits that include lower risks of diarrhea, pneumonia, ear infections and asthma and said breastfeeding also lowers the risk of obesity and allergies.
For mothers, Ramirez said breastfeeding can speed postpartum recovery, help burn calories and support weight loss after delivery, reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancers and save money by reducing formula purchases.
Addressing problems, Ramirez said breastfeeding should not be painful. “If there is pain then you should contact your health care provider or your breastfeeding professional,” she said, explaining that persistent pain usually indicates a problem such as positioning, an incorrect latch or a possible tongue or lip tie in the infant.
On how often to feed, Ramirez advised feeding on demand and said many babies feed about eight or more times in 24 hours, using hunger cues as a guide. She listed signs an infant is getting enough milk: frequent feeding, steady weight gain and a good number of wet and dirty diapers in a 24-hour period.
Ramirez recommended pumping and massaging to help establish an abundant milk supply and advised avoiding bottles and pacifiers in the early days until breastfeeding is well established to prevent nipple preference or breast refusal.
For local support, Ramirez directed listeners to the Harnett County Health Department website, harnett.org/health, and provided phone numbers: the health department at (910) 893-7550 and WIC at (910) 893-7570. She encouraged parents to contact local breastfeeding professionals or WIC for hands-on help and assessment.
The session presented practical, clinic-oriented guidance and resource contacts for families seeking breastfeeding support in Harnett County.
