Freeborn County is celebrating World Breastfeeding Week Aug. 1-7. August is set aside each year in Minnesota to raise awareness of the many benefits of breastfeeding. The 2008 theme for World Breastfeeding Week is Mother’s Support: Going for Gold.

For mothers, babies and families there are many reasons to breastfeed.

For babies, mother’s milk is designed to provide babies what they need for their growth and development. It contains live antibodies and is an arsenal against illness. Mother’s milk is nature’s vaccine for the newborn, contributes to the development of the brain and nervous system, and helps the infant attain optimal health. For example, studies have reported that breastfeeding lessens a child’s chance of developing allergies, getting ear infections and becoming overweight.

For mothers and families, breastfeeding provides baby with optimal nutrition at no cost. Mothers enjoy the closeness of breastfeeding. Recent studies have shown that breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast cancer and postpartum depression.

Dads and other family members can be proud of their support for breastfeeding, knowing that they are helping their newest family member receive the gift of health and closeness.

Early breastfeeding, without supplementing with other foods or liquids, is best for the health of mother and baby. Babies can only eat small amounts at a feeding — about a teaspoon — on their first day of life. Colostrum, the early milk, is made in the right amount for baby — the perfect amount for a new baby learning to feed. Providing only mother’s milk is crucial to establishing mother’s milk supply. For baby, breast milk is easiest to digest and easiest to eat.

In Minnesota, four out of five babies are breastfed at birth, higher than the national average, highest in the Midwest, and 12th highest in the country. However, 20 percent of babies born in Minnesota receive no breast milk, and may have adverse health effects from not being breastfed.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants receive only human milk for the first six months of life and with other foods to a year or more. In Minnesota, only 23 percent of children are breastfed until 1 year of age. The support of the health care system, families, friends, employers and others is essential to starting and continuing breastfeeding; providing children with the healthiest start in life.

“The understanding and support of a mother’s critical network of family, friends and health care providers is important to the breastfeeding woman. Employers and communities can also support breastfeeding. Many employers have set aside areas in the workplace where mothers can express milk,” said Lois Ahern, director of Freeborn County Public Health said.

“The Baby Place at Albert Lea Medical Center/Mayo Health System provides an opportunity for mother and baby to be together and breastfeed immediately after birth. This clear message about the importance of breastfeeding helps get moms and babies off to a good start,” said Rita Korman, pediatric nurse practitioner at Albert Lea Medical Center.

“Communities can make sure mothers are able to comfortably breastfeed when they’re out with their child,” added Jane Samuelson, coordinator of Freeborn County WIC.

Albert Lea Medical Center/Mayo Health System, Freeborn County Public Health and Freeborn County WIC offer breastfeeding education and support for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Services available include: breastfeeding classes during pregnancy, support and individual assistance following delivery and rental of breast milk pumps.

For more information about breastfeeding, contact Freeborn County Public Health at 377-5100.