Le Bonheur Children's Welcomes the Zoo's First Baby Elephant

Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center was among the first to welcome the Memphis Zoo’s first baby elephant in its 103-year history. African elephant mom Asali delivered her baby girl on July 6. Before her birth, Le Bonheur’s lactation consultants met with the zookeepers to talk about breastfeeding and give Asali her first gift, a hospital-grade breast pump.

The milk a mom’s body makes in the first 80 hours after birth is particularly important. It’s called colostrum and has large amounts of antibodies and immune factors that protect babies from infection and other complications. It also helps a baby’s eyes and brain to develop. Colostrum is essentially the baby’s first immunization. Colostrum is very important for newborn babies and even more important for elephant babies.

The gift of the hospital-grade pump will ensure that the elephant baby receives the essential nutrients immediately even if the baby isn’t able to breastfeed.

“We want this baby to have the best start to life possible. We hope the breast pump will ensure that Asali has every resource she needs to raise her newborn,” said Ruth Munday, lactation consultant at Le Bonheur.

Munday and Amanda Helton, director of nutrition services, delivered the pump to the Zoo in late June. At Le Bonheur, Ruth counsels mothers who want to breastfeed, but may face special circumstances considering their child is hospitalized. Munday shares how to select a breast pump.

“Breastfeeding is perfect nutrition for babies, and breast milk can be lifesaving for sick babies. Shelby County has some of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the country along with a high infant mortality rate in high-risk areas,” said Munday, BSN, RN-BC, IBCLC, RLC.

Munday answers some questions about babies and nursing.

How often is a baby expected to nurse?

A newborn human baby should nurse eight to 12 times in a 24-hour period to help establish the mother’s milk supply and assure adequate intake of colostrum. As the baby grows, the feeding pattern will change. Every baby is different in how often they want to eat. In the first few months, it’s common for babies to cluster feed –several feedings close together and then spacing others further apart. Babies will want to eat more during “growth spurts.” Typically these spurts occur around two-three weeks, six weeks and three months of age. The increased nursing times help mother’s breasts to make more milk to meet the baby’s nutritional needs.

What should a mother eat to ensure that she’s able to provide nutrients through breast milk?

A breastfeeding mother should eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. She should consume at least 1800 calories per day. Anything less may cause nutritional deficits. Small snacks such as cheese, fruit and nuts will help keep the mother’s energy level going through out the day. She should drink plenty of water, milk and juice. Limit caffeine to 2 servings or less per day. If a woman is mal-nourished or on a restricted diet, she should consult her doctor and lactation consultant about vitamin supplements.

What are some warning signals that the baby may not be getting enough/ or too much?

Signs that a baby is not getting enough milk include that the baby is not gaining weight, difficult to arouse for feed or a decreased feeding time and a decrease in amount of wet and dirty diapers. If the baby gains more than 2 pounds a month, has colic symptoms or has gas or green stool are signs that the baby is getting too much milk .

What are some signs that all is going well with breastfeeding?

If the baby is nursing eight to 12 times a day, that’s a good sign. Also, the baby has a comfortable latch that does not hurt the mother, and the baby stays awake for feeding and mom can hear sucks and swallows and sees milk in corner of baby’s mouth. Mom should notice that her breasts feel softer and lighter after a feeding or pumping session. The baby should have six to eight wet diapers a day and two to three stools per day by day five, and stool has changed to yellow seedy consistency. The baby should have regained birth weight by 10 days of age.

What if mom has trouble nursing?
Most mothers are able to make milk for their babies. There may be few situations when a mother may have difficulty establishing a milk supply, or circumstances prevent her from breastfeeding/pumping. If this happens to you, seek out a lactation consultant to assist you with discovering options and providing support.

When do I know it's time to stop and start baby with food/formula?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding up until 6 months of age. After 6 months they recommend breastfeeding with the addition complimentary foods such as iron rich cereals and baby foods. Support for breastfeeding is encouraged for the first year and beyond as long as mutually desired by mother and child.

Posted: July 7, 2009 For more information please contact: Marketing and Communications , 901.287.6030