Celebrate National Breastfeeding Week July 31 to Aug. 4
Courtesy photo - Pictured from left are Sara Santoyo, Martha Mabry and Telly Cantu, who will be on hand to answer questions about breastfeeding.
CBHA is observing National Breastfeeding July 31 thru Aug. 4. A celebration honoring moms who are currently breastfeeding their babies is scheduled for Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Medical Center on 14th Ave.
The benefits of breastfeeding extend well beyond basic nutrition. In addition to containing all the vitamins and nutrients your baby needs , breast milk is packed with disease-fighting substances that protect your baby from illness. It is for this reason that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months (although any amount of breastfeeding is beneficial).
Scientific studies have shown that breastfeeding is good for the mother as well. Mothers who breastfeed recover from childbirth more quickly and easily. The hormone oxytocin, released during breastfeeding, acts to return the uterus to its regular size more quickly and can reduce postpartum bleeding. Studies show that women who have breastfed experience reduced rates of breast and ovarian cancer later in life.
Breastfeeding protects your baby from a long list of illnesses
Numerous studies have shown that stomach viruses, lower respiratory illnesses, ear infections and meningitis occur less often in breastfed babies, and are less severe when they do happen. Exclusive breastfeeding (meaning no solid food, formula or water) for at least six months seems to offer the most protection.
One large study by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences showed that children who are breastfed have a 29 percent lower risk of dying between the ages of 28 days and one year than children who weren’t breastfed. Longer breastfeeding duration is associated with lower risk.
The main immune factor at work here is a substance called secretory immunoglobulin A (lgA) that’s present in large amounts in colostrum; the first milk the mother’s body produces for their baby. The substance guards against invading germs by forming a protective layer on the mucous membranes in the baby’s intestines, nose and throat.