August is National Breastfeeding Month

Kacey Flores, PA-C, Physician Assistant, Coastal Gateway Health Center

In 2011, August was named “National Breastfeeding Month” to promote and support breastfeeding as the best source of nutrition for a baby. All month long, people around the globe celebrate the health benefits of breastfeeding to both mother and baby and continue to ensure women have the support they need to breastfeed.

Infant Benefits of Breastfeeding

Human milk is the optimal source of nutrition for virtually all infants. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding with the introduction of appropriate, complementary solids for at least the 1^st year of life.  These recommendations are supported strongly by multiple medical and professional organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, World Health Organization, and Canadian Pediatric Society, based on both short- and long-term benefits for the mother and child.

Breastmilk has a unique composition of both anti-infective and anti-inflammatory factors. Along with skin-to-skin contact from direct breastfeeding, breastmilk promotes optimal health, protects from environmental exposures, and develops the child’s immune system.

Breastfeeding has been shown to prevent illness during the infant’s lifetime. Compared with formula, human milk also provides continued protection against acute illnesses, such as ear infections and pneumonia, even after discontinuing breastfeeding during the first few years of a child’s life.

There are several proven long-term benefits of breastfeeding. Evidence supports the reduction of risk for several chronic diseases, including prevention of type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and wheezing in young children.

Maternal Benefits of Breastfeeding

Maternal benefits of breastfeeding include accelerated recovery after childbirth as well as a reduction in the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Breastfeeding also reduces expenses that can be associated with formula and the costs of sick visits for the child.

Keep in mind that decisions about initiating and maintaining breastfeeding depend on the unique challenges and supports of the mother, infant, and family. Breastfeeding must be a shared decision-making process. There are many resources available in Southeast Texas for breastfeeding mothers who need extra support. A board-certified lactation consultant is an invaluable asset to breastfeeding families. These professionals reassure patients when breastfeeding and lactation are going well and provide information and support to help prevent and manage common concerns.

National Breastfeeding Month is not about only promoting “breast is best” or shaming mothers who cannot or choose not to breastfeed. The overarching goal of the week is to highlight the benefits of breastfeeding, encourage and promote breastfeeding, and improve the health of babies and mothers worldwide.

Coastal Gateway Health Center can be reached by phone at 409.296.4444 or by email at [email protected].  For more information regarding our services and programs, please visit our website at www.coastalgatewayhc.org or find and follow us on Facebook.  We are proud to be #yourcommunityhealthcenter.