The benefits of breastfeeding are emphasized by the Daviess County Health Department during Missouri Breastfeeding Month, observed annually in August. In addition, Worldwide Breastfeeding Week is observed Aug. 1-7
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Breastfeeding is important for a baby’s good health, but it can be especially vital during an emergency situation such as a flood, tornado or snow storm. When the power goes out, roads are closed, stores are shut down, and there is a lack of water and sanitary conditions, breastfeeding becomes the most convenient and safest way to feed infants.
The advantage of breastfeeding during an emergency is the focus of this year’s Missouri Breastfeeding Month.
"Breastfeeding is one of the most important decisions a new mother can make to benefit the health of her child under normal circumstances as well as during emergencies," said Breastfeeding Coordinator Lana Turner.
Health experts agree that breastfeeding benefits a baby’s health throughout life. Breastfeeding helps the development of a baby’s brain as well as aids in the growth of the immune system to withstand ailments such as diarrhea, ear infections, and infections of the respiratory and urinary tracts.
Breastfeeding also reduces a baby’s risk of environment-borne illnesses, food sanitization and allergies. In addition, babies who are breast-fed exclusively for at least six months have a reduced risk of obesity later in life.
Mothers also benefit from breastfeeding their babies. Breastfeeding reduces postpartum bleeding, helps the mother return to her pre-pregnancy weight sooner, boosts her immune system and even reduces a diabetic mother’s need for insulin. Women who breastfeed also have increased protection from breast and ovarian cancers and osteoporosis.
In addition to the health benefits, Breastfeeding also has economic advantages. Depending on the brand of formula used and the amount a baby eats, breastfeeding can save a family from $1,500 to $3,500 a year.
Medical costs are also reduced because breast-fed babies have fewer health problems. Nationwide, more than $1 billion in extra health care costs is spent every year on infants who are not breast-fed.
During the past several years, the breastfeeding initiation rate among Missouri mothers has steadily increased; however, many women are still not breastfeeding their babies. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 67.5% of mothers initiated breastfeeding their babies at birth in Missouri in 2005, but only 30.5% of infants were still being breast-fed at six months of age. The CDC’s national Healthy People 2010 breastfeeding goals are 75% at birth and 50% at six months old.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants be exclusively breast-fed for approximately the first six months of life and continue to be breast-fed — while food is being introduced — until the baby is at least one year old.
"Support from family members, friends and health care providers is important in order to increase the number of women who breastfeed their babies," Mrs. Turner said.
More information about the benefits of breastfeeding can be found at www.dhss.mo.gov/breastfeeding or by calling 1-800-877-6246. For information about the Daviess County Health Department WIC and Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Programs, call 660-663-2414.