August is National Breastfeeding Month

Aug 1, 2018 4:24:16 PM / by Voyage Healthcare Team posted in Voyage Healthcare News, Women's Health

August marks Breastfeeding Awareness Month, which was officially declared in 2011 by the United States Breastfeeding Committee. And, while awareness for breastfeeding was officially introduced in 2011, both the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Voyage Healthcare have been advocating for it for many years.

adult-art-baby-235243

In honor of this month, learn about the reason behind the awareness and our educational breastfeeding classes. We’ve also compiled a fun list of facts about breastfeeding!

Why is Awareness of Breastfeeding Important?

Since 2011, a lot has been done in regards to awareness for breastfeeding and its benefits. Unfortunately, it still hasn’t been enough, as United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reports that less than 25% of American Mothers exclusively breastfeed during the first six months of a child’s life. Why is this important? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that a child should be breastfed exclusively, in the first six months of life.

So, why do mothers stop breastfeeding? It's noted that 60% of today’s mothers don’t breastfeed for the entire duration they should, and it can be influenced by many factors which include issues with lactation or latching, nutrition, weight, medications, and lack of support (from work, hospitals, and family).

As the stats show, awareness and advocacy for breastfeeding is crucial! The health benefits for both a baby and its mother are profound.

Education and Breastfeeding Basics

At Voyage Healthcare, we offer a wide range of educational options for our patients. We have lots of handouts, booklets, pamphlets, and even videos, but one thing we also offer are free educational classes. Join us at Voyage Healthcare’s Center For Women’s Health (CFWH) for a free event Thursday, September 27, 2018, at 7 PM and experience our Breastfeeding Basics class.

Hosted by Voyage Healthcares OB/GYN, you’ll be able to meet without Certified Lactation Counselors, Karen Ladin, APRN, CNP, CLC, and Cristen Signer, APRN, CNP, CLC. Our counselors will share information and skill sets so you can enjoy the rewarding nature of breastfeeding your baby. Plus, you don’t have to be affiliated with Voyage Healthcare to attend—everyone is welcome!

Topics include the basics about breastfeeding, the benefits, how to latch and position your baby, baby cues for breastfeeding, and more.

If you would like to join us September 27, 2018 at 7PM, please RSVP to the CFWH by calling us at (763) 587-7263.

Facts About Breastfeeding

Check out these 10 facts about breastfeeding that you may not know:

  1. Babies who are breastfed boost their immune system by helping ward off viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections.
  2. Breastfeeding can reduce a baby’s risk for disease later in life.
  3. Compared to the cost of formula, breastfeeding can save roughly $2,000-$4,000 annually.
  4. The nutritional profile of milk changes as a child grows.
  5. Breastfeeding promotes skin-to-skin contact and bonding with a child.
  6. Mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, diabetes, and postpartum depression.
  7. 43% of mothers 20 and under breastfeed.
  8. 65% of mothers 20-29 breastfeed.
  9. 75% of mothers over 30 breastfeed.
  10. 49 out of the 50 states having breastfeeding legislation in place.

Your Premier OB/GYN

Are you an expectant mother or know someone who is? Let Voyage Healthcare OB/GYN be your guide for all things baby and women’s health. Located in 4 convenient locations in the northeast suburbs, we have a dedicated staff that focuses on all factors of women’s health care.

Don’t forget to RSVP to our Breastfeeding Basics class, and take a look at our guide to a healthy pregnancy! 

New Call-to-action

Fact resources: World Health Organization, Center for Disease Control, Health Foundations, and Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association.

Voyage Healthcare Team

Written by Voyage Healthcare Team

Voyage Healthcare is an independently owned, multi-specialty healthcare clinic — guided by the doctors who care for families in the northwest metro area of Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Comments

Subscribe to the Voyage Healthcare Blog

New Call-to-action