Kelley MacArthur, RN, IBCLC, is the Clinical Coordinator for the Motherhood Program in Poquoson, VA. She shares her "Reflections" about her HUG Your Baby training.
I work in early intervention as a Registered Nurse (RN) and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). The HUG program has been an invaluable addition to our services, providing essential education on newborn behavior and its impact on breastfeeding. This program has proven instrumental in aiding families as they transition into parenthood. Frequently, I encounter parents struggling to understand breastfeeding challenges and their baby's needs. The HUG program effectively teaches parents to interpret their baby's communication and respond appropriately.
The "Roadmap to Breastfeeding Success" is an excellent resource for parents, guiding them through their baby's first year and the many normal developmental changes that may otherwise be misconstrued as problems. Educating parents about potential challenges and equipping them with the tools to address these issues has significantly improved their confidence and reduced anxiety.
One family I worked with faced significant challenges consoling their breastfed baby. They responded to every cry by feeding him, which resulted in the baby gaining almost 14 ounces in one week and experiencing constant fussiness. Utilizing the HUG program, the family learned to better understand and respond to their baby's cues, incorporating various soothing techniques beyond nursing. The following week, they reported that their baby was much happier, cried less, and gained an appropriate amount of weight. These results gave the parents the confidence to care for their baby effectively.