August 1 - 7 is World Breastfeeding Week

Benefits of Breastfeeding!

A Summary of some benefits of breast feeding for infants are:

• Fewer ear and respiratory infections.
• Potentially fewer allergies.
• Reduced incidences of cancer.
• Protection against SIDS--sudden infant death syndrome.
• Disease preventing immunities are passed from mother to child.
• Reduced incidence of blood infections and meningitis.
• Lower mortality rate for infants.
• Assures contact with mother.
• Fewer incidents of serious diarrhea.
• Reduced incidences of insulin-dependent diabetes.
• Acts as first brain food as it helps to set down the proper matrix for humans.

Benefits for mothers include:

• Fewer incidents of pre-menopausal ovarian and breast cancer.
• Sense of fulfillment.
• Eating more while potentially losing weight.
• Calming effect of nursing your infant and baby.
• Mothers and babies are more relaxed.
• Saving a family more than $400 over buying formula during the first year of life.
• Increased sense of pride in giving of themselves to their baby.
• Less time missed from work because of improved health of baby.

  Some women are afraid to breastfeed because they have heard false ideas about breastfeeding. Some women are concerned that they may not be able to provide enough milk for their babies. Others are worried that breastfeeding will be painful, hard to learn, or inconvenient. You may have these or other concerns. Discuss any concerns about breastfeeding with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider. These people can tell you the facts and answer any questions you may have about breastfeeding. To learn how to breastfeed your baby, or if you have questions or are experiencing problems there is help in Marquette County, call: Jenni Vajda, WIC Coordinator, #475-7846 or a lactation specialist with the La Leche League.

  You can also get more information at: http://www.cyberparent.com