August is National Breastfeeding Month: Learn the Benefits

August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month – 31 days dedicated to promoting and supporting breastfeeding and raising awareness about its benefits for mothers and babies. During the first year of life, breast milk helps babies grow healthy and strong.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), for approximately 84% of infants in the United States, their first food is breast milk. The CDC also reports that 51.6% of these babies are still receiving breast milk at 6 months of age and 39.5% are still breastfeeding on their first birthday.

What are the advantages of breast feeding?

“Breastfeeding provides many benefits for the baby, mother and family,” said Sharon Shattenberg, RN, BSN, Maternal Child Service Line Director for Penn Highlands Healthcare. “Babies who are breast fed are provided with perfect nutrition and everything they need for healthy development.”

The CDC cites these benefits of breastfeeding.

1. As the baby grows, the mother’s milk changes to meet the baby’s nutritional needs.

2. Breast milk offers protection from short- and long-term illnesses such as respiratory infections, and non-communicable diseases such as asthma and diabetes.

3. Antibodies are present in the mother’s breast milk, these antibodies help babies develop strong immune systems.

4. Mothers can breastfeed anytime and anywhere without worrying about mixing formula and preparing bottles.

5. Breastfeeding also helps mothers. Breastfeeding can prevent excessive bleeding after the baby is born, by helping the uterus to contract and return to the size it was prior to pregnancy.

6. Breastfeeding helps mothers return to pre-pregnancy weight earlier and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, ovarian cancer and premenopausal breast cancer.

7. Breastfeeding increases the mother’s confidence and provides opportunities for bonding.

8. Breastfeeding is environmentally friendly; it reduces the amount of plastic containers in landfills.

What if mothers have difficulty trying to breastfeed?

While breastfeeding is a natural process, some mothers may need help. Every breastfeeding experience is unique to the mother and baby.

“Support, understanding and education are key to helping new mothers breastfeed, said Suzanne McCullough, BSN, RN-NIC, Director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Apnea-Reflux/Development Clinic at Penn Highlands DuBois. “Just like learning any new skill, it takes time and patience to develop.”

Mothers needing support for breastfeeding receive that support from nurses and lactation consultants who are affiliated with the hospitals where they deliver their babies. These skilled professionals provide education, guidance and hands-on assistance to help mothers with various aspects of breastfeeding.

Nurses and lactation consultants can:

• Provide education on various techniques, positioning, latching and common challenges.

• Create personalized plans and support to address specific needs such as but not limited to feeding premature infants, and feeding an adopted infant.

• Offer guidance on the use of breast pumps, expressing and storing breast milk and more.

• Provide emotional support and help mothers build a strong bond with their babies.

Penn Highlands Life’s Journey OB/GYN and the Maternal and Child Center at Penn Highlands DuBois supports a culture of breastfeeding education and understanding. Breastfeeding support begins in the OB/GYN office and during prenatal classes at Penn Highlands DuBois. Support is offered after the baby arrives. Certified lactation consultants round during the mother’s hospital stay and are available after discharge to continue breastfeeding support. All Maternity and NICU nurses receive 15 hours of breastfeeding education to support mothers feeding their babies.