August marks National Breastfeeding Awareness month.
Editor’s note: This commentary is by Chloe Learey, executive director of the Winston Prouty Center for Child and Family Development in Brattleboro, and a member of the Building Bright Futures State Advisory Council. The Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce recently named her Entrepreneur of the Year.
This year, the U.S. took issue with the language of the World Health Assembly resolution proposed in May calling for member nations to “promote, support and protect” breastfeeding. Additionally, it threatened Ecuador, the sponsor country of the resolution, with retaliatory trade measures and removal of military aid if they continued to pursue it.
However, there is broad consensus among many organizations, from the American Academy of Pediatrics to the World Health Organization to UNICEF, that breastfeeding is optimal for mothers and babies when it is possible. It is important to note there are circumstances that make it challenging or not possible to breastfeed. Women who find themselves in this situation need support and affirmation as well. Promoting “breast is best” should not be done in a way that shames or marginalizes women who do not or cannot make that choice for whatever reason. Access to information, resources and support are essential for a woman to make the most informed choice for herself and her baby.
What are some of the benefits of breastfeeding? Breast milk has a balance of protein, fat and sugar that is ideal for infant development, as well as antibodies that help babies fight off infections. Research shows that babies who are breastfed are less likely to experience health problems, both as children and later as adults. For instance, children experience fewer ear infections, lower rates of childhood obesity, and are less likely to have asthma. There are also health benefits for mothers such as having a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Even when poverty contributes to less-than-optimal nutrition or inadequate access to food, breastfeeding remains the recommended and most beneficial choice for the child and mother. Breastfeeding makes economic sense as well, being a more affordable option than purchasing formula.
Conversely, there are challenges to breastfeeding. For example, some medicines and drugs can be passed to an infant through breast milk, as well as some infections, which may be harmful. Health care providers can help women determine what may or may not be safe. Other challenges can arise around a woman’s milk supply or an infant’s ability to latch on to the breast. Lactation consultants such as those certified through the International Board of Certified Lactation Consultants are an amazing resource for supporting women and babies who are struggling with these types of issues. There are also cultural challenges to women being able to breastfeed, and it is heartening that all 50 states now allow breastfeeding in public. In addition, many workplaces and organizations are providing support to breastfeeding mothers. And, the Vermont Department of Health launched the Breastfeeding Friendly Employer Project in 2016 that offers several ideas for policies, space and resources that can be implemented.
Promoting, supporting and protecting breastfeeding is one way we can help give our children a strong foundation for optimal development. Making sure women have the information and resources they need to make the choice that is best for them and their baby is hopefully something we can all support.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Chloe Learey: Celebrating Breastfeeding Awareness Month.