Our Women & Infants Pavilion Provides Breastfeeding Training
Since 1991 a global program called The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative
launched to encourage and recognize hospitals and birthing centers offering
optimal care for infant feeding and for mother/infant bonding. We take
this mission seriously because the program recognizes the best ways a
mother can protect and promote her infant’s health by breastfeeding.
Since receiving accreditation in 2015, our nursing staff has helped new
mothers learn how to breastfeed properly. Our lactation team addresses
difficult breastfeeding challenges with consultations to new mothers.
Our hospital aims to empower mothers so they feel more confident about
breastfeeding, which can bolster their own health and their newborn’s health.
Why Is Breastfeeding Important?
The reason medical professional endorse breastfeeding is because there
are many benefits both for mother and baby, including:
Breastfeeding offers an unmatched beginning for children
Breastfeeding empowers mothers to provide complete nourishment for their
babies. Human milk gives infants the most complete nutrition possible
for infants and delivers the optimal mix of nutrients and antibodies to
help babies thrive. Scientific studies have shown how breastfed children
have far fewer bouts of serious illnesses than those who never receive
breastmilk, including a reduced risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS),
childhood cancers, and diabetes.
Mothers who breastfeed are healthier
Recent studies show how women who breastfeed have a lower risk of future
breast and ovarian cancer, anemia, or osteoporosis. Both mother and baby
enjoy the emotional benefits of the very special and close relationship
formed through breastfeeding.
Families who breastfeed save money
Not only is breastmilk free, but breastfeeding provides savings on healthcare
costs and related time lost to care for sick children. Because breastfeeding
saves so much money, parents experience less financial strain and can
enjoy healthier babies.
Communities reap the benefits of breastfeeding
Research shows how breastfeeding families take fewer days off work, and
breastfeeding mothers don’t have to worry about buying the costly
artificial substitute, baby formula when they are nursing. Less tax money
is required to provide governmental assistance or third party payers,
as well as community and government medical programs. By breastfeeding
babies, families have more funds on hand to buy things they want and need,
which bolsters the local economy. Studies prove that breastfed babies
have higher IQ scores, better brain and nervous system development, and
are generally healthier throughout their lives.
The environment benefits when babies are breastfed
Scientists agree breastmilk is the best nourishment for growing babies
and may even protect them from the harmful effects of pollution. Breastfeeding
uses none of the tin, paper, plastic, or energy necessary to prepare,
package, and transport artificial baby formulas. Since breastfeeding does
not produce waste, each breastfed baby cuts down on pollution and garbage
disposal problems.
This page was adapted from “Did You Know Breastfeeding Makes a Difference?”,
La Leche League, the International Lactation Consultant Association, and
the National Alliance for Breastfeeding Advocacy.
