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Published: August 7, 2019

BREASTFEEDING: 31 DAYS... 31 WAYS!

August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month.  Help Wyandot WIC celebrate 31 ways breastfeeding is beneficial for both mom and baby during the 31 days of August.

  1. Studies lean toward higher IQ's in breastfed babies.
  2. Breastmilk causes less diarrhea for babies.
  3. Breastfed babies have fewer urinary tract infections.
  4. Breastfeeding lessens the risk of SIDS.
  5. Breastmilk helps protect against allergies.
  6. A breastfed baby has a better antibody response making vaccines more effective.
  7. Breastmilk causes less stomach upset.
  8. Skin to skin contact is a fabulous bonding experience!
  9. Breastmilk causes less constipation than formula.
  10. Breastfeeding protects against eczema.
  11. Breastfed babies have fewer ear infections.
  12. Mom's white blood cells passed in breastmilk protect baby against spinal meningitis, type 1 diabetes, and Hodgkin's lymphoma.
  13. Breastmilk reduces the instance of inflammatory bowel disease in baby.
  14. Breastfed babies are less likely to contract respiratory infections.
  15. Breastfed babies could be at a lesser risk for obesity later in life.
  16. Immune-boosting antibodies found in breastmilk reduce the risk of viruses.
  17. Moms who breastfed have a lower risk of breast cancer.
  18. Breastfeeding helps moms lose their pregnancy weight.
  19. Breastfeeding delays menstruation.
  20. Breastfeeding may lower a woman's risk for osteoporosis.
  21. The act of breastfeeding helps the uterus shrink back to pre-pregnancy size.
  22. Breastfeeding saves money!  One 12.7 ounce can of a basic, cow's milk based name brand powder formula costs nearly $17.00!
  23. Breastfeeding is eco friendly: no bottles, cans, liners, etc.
  24. Moms who breastfeed miss less time after they return to work because their babies experience fewer illnesses.
  25. Breastfeeding helps to cultivate friendships with other breastfeeding moms and their families.
  26. Breastfeeding can offer some natural birth control protection.  (It is not as reliable as other birth control methods, though!)
  27. Breastfeeding moms enjoy the closeness between themselves and their babies.  They enjoy being able to provide something for their child that nobody else can.
  28. Breastfeeding helps heal your body quicker after delivery.  The release of oxytocin when your baby nurses helps shrink your uterus, returning it to it's natural six 6 weeks instead of 10.  It also lessens the amount of blood loss.
  29. Moms who breastfed have a lower risk of ovarian cancer.
  30. Breastfed babies have a lower risk of gastroenteritis.
  31. Breastfed babies experience a smoother transition when they are introduced to infant foods, cereals, and then solid foods, from 4-6 months to their first birthday.

Breastfeeding is a very personal decision.  WIC celebrates ALL moms (dads and all other caregivers as well) for their commitment to care for their little ones, breastfed or not.  Thank you all for doing your very best!

 

 

Wyandot County Public Health is nationally accredited through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). Established in 2007, PHAB is the non-profit organization that administers the national accreditation program, which aims to advance and transform public health practice by championing performance improvement, strong infrastructure, and innovation.