Breastfeeding & Lactation

Mothers Day 1240925849nhiWbFnThe American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommend exclusive breastfeeding for about the first six months, with continued breastfeeding along with introducing appropriate complementary foods for up to 2 years of age or longer. Studies have shown that mother’s milk possesses all of the essential nutrients that a baby needs to grow and enhance brain development. In addition to providing babies with necessary nutrients that are vital to development, breastfeeding also offers mothers several benefits as well. The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program provides lactation support, education and assistance to breastfeeding families.

Our Goal

The aim of the WIC program is to dispel myths or unreasoned fears and to provide accurate information that supports those who want to breastfeed. In addition to the program nutritionists and nurses that are trained as breastfeeding educators, WIC also utilizes peer counselors to enhance the program.

Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breast Milk is Made for Human Babies

  • Breast milk has all the necessary nutrients for proper growth in correct amounts.
  • Breast milk digests easily (No constipation, less colic)
  • Nutritional composition of Breast milk changes as the baby's nutritional needs change - even within a single feeding.

Breast Milk Promotes Good Health

  • Provides antibodies and protects against infection (This includes urinary tract, respiratory, intestinal and ear infections.)
  • Lowers the rate of hospitalization and sickness
  • Speeds recovery during illness
  • Reduces the risk of allergies

Breastfeeding Reduces Risk of Disease

  • Reduces the risk of overfeeding, as well as risk for childhood and adult obesity
  • Reduces the risk of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
  • Reduces the risk of intestinal diseases (Including Crohn's and celiac)
  • Reduces the risk of iron-deficiency anemia, as iron is well absorbed

Breastfeeding Promotes Physical Development

  • Hand-eye coordination
  • Jaw, teeth and speech development
  • Brain growth

Breastfeeding Provides Emotional Benefits

  • Immediate satisfaction
  • Close physical contact with mother and promotes security / bonding
  • Creates positive mother association − baby knows mother through all senses
  • Comforts when baby is ill

Breastfeeding Promotes Good Health for Mothers

  • Reduces the risk of post-birth hemorrhaging
  • Improves bone density
  • Aids in natural weight loss
  • Reduces the risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancers

Breastfeeding is Convenient

  • Night feedings are easier
  • Saves time and money
  • Milk is always available (Important in emergencies)
  • No mixing or storing is required (Decreases the risk of errors in preparation)
  • Easier to travel

Breastfeeding Offers Emotional Benefits

  • Increases self-confidence
  • Increases perception of baby's needs
  • Enhances bonding
  • Ensures close physical contact
  • Relaxes mother through production of hormone prolactin

Breastfeeding Promotes Family Togetherness

  • Baby has sweet smell, and bowel movements are not offensive
  • Breast milk has less odor and less staining
  • Family saves money, due to:
    • No need for formula, or baby food, for first 6 months
    • Fewer health care costs, as baby is sick less often

For more information and tips on breastfeeding, please visit Women's Health.org.

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