Breastfeeding is more than a lifestyle choice; it is an important health choice for both mom and baby. World Breastfeeding Week, celebrated the first week in August, raises breastfeeding awareness in over 120 countries.
This year’s theme “Breastfeeding: A Vital Emergency Response. Are you ready?” is a very appropriate and important theme in light of recent hurricanes, tsunamis and earthquakes. It focuses on supporting women in their efforts to do what is most important for the health and survival of their baby, especially during emergency situations.
For the first six months of life, both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend only breastfeeding unless there are specific medical reasons to do otherwise.
Baby formula cannot come close to matching the exact chemical makeup of breast milk, which changes to continue delivering the different nutrients, hormones and antibodies that babies need to grow, develop and fight disease.
Exclusive breastfeeding provides protection against many health problems including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), lower respiratory tract infections, ear infections, skin irritations, childhood obesity, asthma, stomach viruses, childhood leukemia and diarrhea. Breastfeeding has even been linked to a lower risk of certain health problems in mothers including type-2 diabetes, breast cancer, ovarian cancer and even postpartum depression.
While breastfeeding is not the only option you have for feeding your baby, every mother has an opportunity to give her children an easy, natural and inexpensive head start in life.
To learn more details on pre-natal and childbirth classes contact A Woman’s Place at Marion Regional Healthcare System by calling 843- 431-2797.
Vital Stats is a weekly health column provided by the doctors and staff of Marion Regional Healthcare System.
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