Hello all -
In the middle of the other frackus related to the US governernment and
breastfeeding, I can offer [what some would see as] a small bright spot.
Thank you so much to so many of you who gave great insight into my
question. It really made my progress on it go a lot faster than it
otherwise would have.
Following is the text that will somehow be incorporated into a display
about the perinatal period that is part of a new CDC museum under
development. I was specifically asked to include the workplace support
information in the second 'question' and I scrapped my previous
adherence to a low readability index in light of 'answers' on other
questions that I was able to see. Beyond the perinatal period, I have
no idea what this will look like or what the other components will be,
though I venture the majority of the space will be devoted to the
'sexier' aspect of public health a la Renee Russo in Outbreak. *sigh*
Now you all have to come to Atlanta when the museum opens to see if it
actually gets included!
Katherine Shealy
Is bottle-feeding just as good as breastfeeding?
No.
More than just a way to feed someone, breastfeeding is an infant support
system which is developed throughout pregnancy. Breastfeeding regulates
the infant's heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature, while sealing
baby's gut and protecting it from pathogens and infection.
Breastfeeding is also baby's first relationship.
Breastmilk is chock-full of living cells, enzymes, and growth hormones,
as well as the perfect proportion of nutrients for infant growth and
brain development. Many aspects of breastmilk are impossible to
replicate artificially.
Babies fed breastmilk in a bottle can gain many of the benefits of
breastfeeding. Formula is manufactured infant food that allows babies
to grow. It's an adequate choice if breastmilk is unavailable. Lucky
for babies, mothers who get good information and support can breastfeed
successfully.
-----------
Breastfeeding
Nurturing Nutrition
Newborn babies should breastfeed within one hour of birth. Human beings
are mammals and are designed to nurse; breastfeeding is the intended
form of nutrition for infants. It protects them from a wide array of
diseases throughout their lifespan, even beyond childhood.
Breastfeeding affects a mother's health by lowering her risk of
premenopausal breast cancer and ovarian cancer, helping reduce her
postpartum bleeding, and speeding her return to her pre-pregnancy
weight.
Breastfeeding is so important that both the World Health Organization
and the American Academy of Pediatrics help mothers understand that
babies need nothing other than breastmilk for about the first six months
of life. The World Health Organization recommends continued
breastfeeding for up to two years of age or beyond, and the American
Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding at least 12 months, and
thereafter as long as mother and baby desire.
Breastfeeding is part of the health goals for the entire United States
to achieve by 2010. By that time, at least 75% of all babies should be
breastfed at birth, 50% at six months, and 25% at 12 months. Reaching
these goals will help to significantly reduce health disparities
throughout the country, and improve the health of babies and mothers
everywhere.
The United States Breastfeeding Committee as well as some state health
departments have created guidelines for "mother friendly" workplaces.
This is in response to the needs of working mothers and their babies.
Both Oregon and Texas health departments provide guidance for creation
of lactation rooms, breastmilk storage, flexible work scheduling, and
access to breastfeeding information and support. With good information
and support, working mothers can successfully continue to breastfeed.
Katherine Shealy, MPH, IBCLC, RLC
Public Health Breastfeeding Specialist
Maternal and Child Nutrition Branch
Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
4770 Buford Hwy NE, Mailstop K25
Atlanta, GA 30341
phone: 770 488 5449
fax: 770 488 5369
email: [log in to unmask]
http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/
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