Infant Graduates From LIJ Forest Hills NICU With Honors In Breastfeeding

FOREST HILLS, QUEENS — Long Island Jewish Forest Hills’ breastfeeding program held a graduation ceremony Aug. 4 to honor 1-month-old Mason Wheeler after the newborn spent his first month of life in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit, according to a recent release.

Dressed in a baby-blue cap and gown and accompanied by his parents, Benjamin and Gabrielle Wheeler of Astoria, Mason received a diploma with special honors in breastfeeding, the release said — a hard-earned achievement after a difficult birth.

Gabrielle Wheeler spent 39 hours in labor to deliver her son at LIJ Forest Hills, located at 102-01 66th Rd.

She had wanted a natural birth, but due to complications, she instead underwent a C-section, the release said. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

Mason wound up in the NICU for six days with fluid in his lungs and rapid breathing.

Because of the surgery, it was initially difficult for the new mother to hold and visit Mason. The nurses provided a breast pump and encouraged breastfeeding, but according to the release, all that Gabrielle Wheeler could manage were a few drops.

When NICU nurses attempted to feed Mason, he just kept spitting up the milk.

But Gabrielle Wheeler was determined.

With the help of the hospital’s lactation coordinator, Lorraine Munoz, Gabrielle Wheeler’s baby boy was eventually able to latch on and breastfeed.

“Breast milk contains numerous antibodies and immunoglobins, which helps prevent infections in infants,” Jennifer Kurtz, chief of neonatology at LIJ Forest Hills, said in the release.

“Breastfed babies are less likely to have ear infections, respiratory illness and digestive issues. For mothers, breastfeeding may reduce their risk of acquiring diabetes.”

According to the release, Gabrielle Wheeler says Mason is doing great, weighing a hearty 11 pounds.

The LIJ Forest Hills hospital was recently named a Baby Friendly hospital, a global designation through UNICEF and the World Health Organization. Only 22 hospitals in New York State have earned such a distinction.

“Most babies lose weight in the beginning, but he has gained weight, and I think that’s because of the breast milk,” Gabrielle Wheeler said in the release.

Image courtesy of Northwell Health