In recent years, extensive research has persuaded many parents to breast-feed their children. Benefits for mother and baby are numerous. The Centers for Disease Control reports that breast milk is easy for infants to digest and contains antibodies that can protect babies from bacterial and viral infections. Breastfeeding can also benefit the mother: Women who breastfeed may have lower rates of ovarian cancer and certain types of breast cancer, according to the CDC. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding an infant during the first year of his or her life.
Expectant mothers who wish to breastfeed should investigate some important issues to find the support they need.
• Choose an obstetrician and pediatrician who encourage breastfeeding. They do not need to be experts on the topic but should know where to refer mother and baby for help if needed.
• Choose to deliver at a hospital that has earned the Baby Friendly Hospital Designation. These hospitals have provided advanced education to the physicians and nurses who work with mothers and babies. They have put the most current practices into place to care for the new families that deliver at their facilities and have taken other steps to support successful breastfeeding. There are six Baby Friendly Hospitals in Orange County, with many more working toward this important designation. For more information, go to babyfriendlyusa.org.
• If you are employed, talk to your employer while you are pregnant about the support for breastfeeding the business can provide when you return to work. California laws require many businesses to accommodate breastfeeding women. For more information, check cdph.ca.gov.
• Once you have delivered your baby, take advantage of the breastfeeding support available throughout your community. Refer to the information provided by the hospital where you delivered, WIC or the Orange County Breastfeeding Resource Guide at ocbreastfeedingcoalition.org.
Fran Buche is president of the Orange County Breastfeeding Coalition, a nonprofit with a mission to make breastfeeding the “cultural norm.”
