Breastfeeding Support
—American Academy of Pediatrics
WHY IS BREAST BEST?
Infants are Healthier:
- Breastmilk contains antiviral and antibiotic agents that protect infants against disease.
- Breastfed babies have fewer ear infections, colds, colic, constipation, and diarrhea.
- Breastfed infants have less asthma, food allergies, and eczema as well as a decreased risk of getting certain childhood cancers, diabetes, colitis, and Crohn’s disease
- Babies who are breastfed are less likely to die of SIDS (“crib death”)
- Breastfeeding also promotes the correct development of the jaw, teeth, and speech.
Mothers are Healthier
- Breastfeeding helps decrease bleeding after birth and promotes the return of the uterus to its pre-pregnant size
- Breastfeeding decreases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer and helps prevent osteoporosis in later life
- Some mothers lose weight faster when they nurse their babies.
Breastmilk is the Perfect Food for Babies:
- Breastmilk is designed for human babies and contains the right amounts of nutrients for each stage of growth and development.
- It is gentle to the baby’s stomach and easy to digest
- Formula is made from cow’s milk or soy, but is just a food—it doesn’t have the living protective immune factors of breast milk.
- Babies do OK on formula, but they do better if they have breast milk.
Breastmilk Costs Less and is Always Ready:
- When a woman breastfeeds her baby there is no formula or bottles to buy, no mixing, measuring, heating, or concerns about spoilage. There is no cleanup.
- Breastmilk is always warm and ready to drink; it makes nighttime feedings quick and going out easy
Breastfeeding is Special for both Mother and Baby:
- Breastfeeding helps moms feel confident about themselves and close to their baby.
- It provides a warm and cozy time for both mom and baby and is a special gift only mothers can give.
WHAT HELP IS AVAILABLE?
Breastfeeding Support:
The Modoc County Public Health Department has Certified Lactation Counselors on-site for education, support, and assistance regarding breastfeeding. Pumps and other supplies are also available for Modoc County residents. Call 1-800-762-3003 or (530)233-6311 for more information
WIC:
The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program also has Certified Lactation Counselors on staff who are available to answer questions and provide assistance regarding breastfeeding. Call 530-233-5800 or 530-257-7094 for more information.
Online Resources:
- The La Leche League: http://www.llli.org/
- Breastfeeding Online: http://www.breastfeedingonline.com/
- The Baby Friendly Initiative: http://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/
- U.S. Breastfeeding Committee: http://www.usbreastfeeding.org/
- World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action: http://waba.org.my/
- Calif. Breastfeeding Coalition: http://www.californiabreastfeeding.org/