Got Breastmilk?

Got Breastmilk?

 

By Becky Jermeay, MA, RD

Breastmilk is the perfect food for babies and offers babies the healthiest start in life.   The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding through the entire first year of life or for as long as mutually desirable.  In summary, the academy states that human milk is superior to formula due it its many health benefits that cannot be replicated.

 

Just in case you’re not convinced yet that breastmilk is the perfect food for your baby, check out the following benefits:

• Decreased risk for ear infections
• Decreased risk for diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disorders
• Decreased risk for diabetes
• Decreased risk for overweight and obesity as an adult
• Decreased risk for childhood cancers such as leukemia
• Increased immune response to childhood vaccinations
• Decreased risk for hypertension as an adult
•  Decreased risk for high cholesterol as an adult

Even though research shows that breastmilk is best, a recent survey from the American Academy of Pediatrics found that while 85% of new mothers plan to breastfeed exclusively for 3 months or more, only 32.4% of mothers actually achieve this goal.  Some of the reasons that new mothers may not reach their breastfeeding goals include:    

• Poor family and social support
• Lack of knowledge about breastfeeding and how to make it successful
• Early lactation problems that are often avoidable if identified and treated early
• Social norms that support a formula feeding culture
• Embarrassment, especially about breastfeeding in public

There are many activities and resources in our community working to help moms breastfeed successfully. Allegiance Health recently announced that they are in the process of becoming a Baby Friendly Hospital.  Baby Friendly Hospitals implement the 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding as outlined by the World Health Organization and UNICEF.  Studies show that Baby Friendly Hospitals have significantly higher breastfeeding rates.    

If you would like more information about breastfeeding or need a little support, please contact any of the following agencies or individuals:

• Allegiance Health Lactation Support Department – 788-4940
• La Leche League – A mother-to-mother breastfeeding support group that meets on the 2^nd Monday of every month.  Leaders are also available to do telephone consultations.
• Jennifer – 517-592-4750
• Melissa  – 784-6965
• Nancy  – 787-2814
• Shaun – 784-3572
• Facebook - La Leche League of Jackson, MI
• Website – http://jacksonmilll.weebly.com
• WIC – 788-4484
• MSU Extension – 788-4292
• Center for Family Health – 748-5500