North Carolina supports world breastfeeding week

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North Carolina supports world breastfeeding week

Saturday, August 1, 2009

From Examiner.com: Breast milk is the best source of infant nutrition. During a natural disaster breast milk is more readily available for feeding infants and children. North Carolina joins the world in support of breastfeeding week, Aug. 1-7. A focus on breastfeeding has become an important consideration for emergency preparedness as well as public health.

According to Dr. Jeffrey Engel, State Health Director, “During emergency situations – including the hurricanes and other natural disasters we experience in North Carolina or large communicable disease outbreaks like pandemic flu – there may not be sufficient supplies of formula at hand, or clean water for making formula. But breast milk can be readily available and provides the best source of nutrition for babies, even during an emergency.”

nfants who are breastfeed have better immunity, less incidence of illness, and fewer allergies. Medical experts agree that mother’s milk is the best source of nutrition for infants and children. This week North Carolina joins the world in supporting breast feeding to keep infants healthy throughout life, improve women’s health, and for emergency preparedness.

Government agencies in North Carolina, businesses, and organizations are encouraged this week to recognize the benefits of breastfeeding, through support and promotion.

According to the downloadable document, Protecting and Supporting Breastfeeding A North Carolina Blueprint for Action, “North Carolina has yet to attain the Healthy People 2010 performance goals of having at least 75 percent of new mothers initiate breastfeeding, with at least 50 percent of the infants continuing to be breastfed until at least six months of age and 25 percent continuing until at least one year of age”. The document serves as a guide for engagement of North Carolina professionals, community and educational organizations and child care facilities to find ways to empower mothers with “positive climates” that promote and encourage breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is endorsed worldwide. It is important to understand that it is not just a lifestyle choice. Breastfeeding improves health throughout life for both mother and infant. Mothers who breastfeed have reduced risk of post-partum bleeding, ovarian cancer, post-menopausal breast cancer, and less risk of osteoporosis later in life.

A current recommendation in North Carolina focuses on promoting breastfeeding in the community, health care system, and child care facilities and in the workplace. Advocate for insurance coverage for breastfeeding care and equipment, as well as research. Breastfeeding education through social media and marketing is encouraged.

Physician groups recommend breastfeeding up to one year following birth for optimal health and nutrition. Breastfeeding helps the economy by reducing risk of disease for both mother and baby, ultimately reducing the economic healthcare burden. Make sure your business or organization provides a friendly environment that encourages and promotes breastfeeding. Join North Carolina in promoting world breastfeeding week.