Nourish, Comfort, Connect: Support and Benefits for Every Breastfeeding Journey; August is National Breastfeeding Month
8/14/2025
August is National Breastfeeding Month, and DeTar Healthcare System is proud to raise awareness of the many benefits of breastfeeding—while also acknowledging the real challenges new parents may face—and highlighting the support available through its Women & Children’s Center.
“From the moment you become pregnant, your body begins preparing to nourish your baby,” said Mary Claire Bradshaw, director of DeTar’s Women & Children’s Center. “Breastfeeding offers so much more than nutrition. It provides newborns with safety, comfort, and peace—while delivering the antibodies and healthy fats needed for their immune system and brain development.”
Breastfeeding Benefits and Challenges
Breast milk is widely known as the ideal first food for babies. The earliest milk, called colostrum, is gentle on a newborn's stomach and packed with antibodies to help build immunity. As a baby grows, breast milk continues to deliver essential nutrients and emotional bonding that benefits both baby and parent.
But while breastfeeding is a natural process, that doesn’t mean it’s always easy.
“Nursing takes practice and patience,” Bradshaw added. “It’s a learning experience for both parent and baby—and no one should feel alone if it doesn’t come easily at first.”
Common challenges can include low milk supply, latching difficulties, soreness or complications related to preterm birth or medical conditions. Working mothers, adoptive parents, and those with prior breast surgery may also have unique concerns that require specialized support.
Education and One-on-One Support at DeTar
To guide families through their breastfeeding journey, DeTar offers a breastfeeding education class, led by a board-certified lactation consultant. Topics include:
- Benefits of breastfeeding
- Baby-led feeding and skin-to-skin contact
- Proper positioning and latching techniques
- Maintaining a healthy milk supply
- Hand expression and breast pump use
- Special considerations for both mothers and infants
DeTar’s lactation consultant provides one-on-one appointments for families needing personalized guidance. The registered nurse in the role of lactation consultant is trained to assess feeding, observe and support the breastfeeding relationship, and offer hands-on solutions to improve comfort and effectiveness.
“As a lactation consultant, my goal is to empower parents with the knowledge and confidence they need,” said Estefania Cobb, BSN, R.N., IBCLC. “Whether it’s helping with latch adjustments or troubleshooting supply concerns, I’m here to make breastfeeding a positive experience tailored to each family’s unique needs.”
“We want every family to feel confident and supported, whether they’re facing early feeding issues or just want reassurance they’re on the right track,” Bradshaw said. “It’s not about perfection—it’s about connection.”
Families are encouraged to reach out if they experience:
- Trouble latching
- Pain during breastfeeding
- Concerns about milk supply
- Feeding issues with NICU babies
- Questions about breastfeeding after surgery or while returning to work
Appointments and class registration are available through the DeTar Women & Children’s Center. For more information about breastfeeding support services, call (361) 573-6100.
Mary Claire Bradshaw, R.N., Director of DeTar’s Women & Children’s Center
DeTar lactation consultant, Estefania Cobb, BSN, R.N., IBCLC
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