For Hospitals & Maternity Homes
The “Nourish and Nurture Nest” project is a specialized program designed to provide extended outpatient department (OPD) observation for critical lactation cases. It operates as a mini hospitalization unit within a healthcare facility, offering intensive support and monitoring for mothers and infants facing complex breastfeeding challenges. The project recognizes the importance of early intervention and specialized care in promoting successful breastfeeding outcomes and maternal-infant bonding.
Key Features
The Impact of Lack of Continuity of Care and Missed Opportunities for Breastfeeding Ecosystem
Research shows that only about 70-80% of mothers initiate breastfeeding at birth, but by the time they are discharged, over 40% of mothers have not established breastfeeding or already stopped breastfeeding or have shifted to partial breastfeeding. A significant contributing factor to this early cessation is the lack of consistent, follow-up care after hospital discharge. According to the statistics more than 50% of mothers report challenges such as latch issues, low milk supply, or nipple pain that are not fully addressed during the brief time spent in the hospital.
Without continuity of care—especially when mothers are discharged without sufficient follow-up support—many mothers find themselves unable to establish or maintain breastfeeding, leading to early weaning. Inconsistent follow-up care and limited access to lactation support post-discharge significantly hinder a mother’s ability to continue breastfeeding successfully, especially in cases of severe challenges.
Challenges You May be Facing
Latch Issues
Hospitals often face issues with babies having a poor latch, which can lead to nipple pain and inefficient milk transfer, affecting breastfeeding success.
Low Milk Supply
Challenge: Many mothers experience low milk supply, and without proper support or guidance, this can result in early supplementation and early weaning.
Nipple Pain & Injury
Nipple pain and injury are common breastfeeding issues that often go unaddressed in hospital settings due to limited time with lactation consultants.
Inconsistent Follow-Up Care
Challenge: Lack of continuous follow-up after discharge leads to missed opportunities for addressing breastfeeding difficulties and reinforcing good breastfeeding practices.
Increased Formula Milk
Without consistent breastfeeding support, mothers often resort to formula feeding, especially when faced with early challenges, which can lead to reduced breastfeeding rates.
Hospital Readmissions
Breastfeeding-related complications, like jaundice and dehydration, lead to increased hospital readmissions.
Lack of Timely Intervention
Challenge: Delayed lactation support and intervention during critical breastfeeding issues lead to missed opportunities for resolution.
What Does the Nest Offer to Meet Your Challenges?
Continuous, Personalized Lactation Support
The Nest manages a team of lactation consultations that extend beyond the hospital discharge, ensuring mothers receive consistent support to address challenges like latch issues, low milk supply, and nipple pain. This continuous care helps mothers establish and maintain breastfeeding, preventing early weaning.
Seamless Transition from Hospital to Home
The Nest offers a smooth handoff from hospital care to home care, bridging the gap between clinical support and at-home breastfeeding challenges. With in-house support and follow-up consultations, the Nest ensures that no mother is left without guidance as she navigates breastfeeding during her hospital stay and post-discharge.
Comprehensive, Multidisciplinary Approach
The Nest integrates expert lactation consultants, nurses, and pediatricians in a collaborative approach, ensuring that all aspects of breastfeeding care—clinical, emotional, and educational—are addressed. This multidisciplinary team works together to provide holistic care for both mother and baby.
Community Support and Peer Networks
The Nest fosters a supportive community where mothers can connect with others facing similar challenges. By offering peer-to-peer support groups and social networks, the Nest creates an environment of shared experiences and mutual encouragement, enhancing emotional well-being.
Training, Mentoring, and Education for Healthcare Providers
The Nest offers ongoing training and mentoring for hospital staff, ensuring that every healthcare provider is equipped with the latest evidence-based lactation practices. This empowers your team to deliver consistent and expert care, improving overall breastfeeding outcomes across your facility.