(WNY News Now) – Mayville, NY – The Chautauqua County Health Department (CCHD) is spotlighting National Breastfeeding Month in August and World Breastfeeding Week, August 1-7, 2024, with initiatives to support breastfeeding moms through their Welcome Home Baby Program.
In celebration of National Breastfeeding Month and World Breastfeeding Week, themed “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All,” CCHD is committed to aiding new mothers across Chautauqua County. Their Welcome Home Baby Program offers every new parent a one-time visit from a Public Health Nurse, providing essential lactation support and free supplies to promote successful breastfeeding.
“Our nurses visit UPMC Chautauqua’s maternity unit throughout the week to greet new moms and let them know we are here to help with questions, even after discharge during the Welcome Home Baby Program visit and through around the clock support offered to those struggling to breastfeed,” states Cathy Burgess, Director of Community Health Nursing. “UPMC and other surrounding hospitals outside the county do a great job to get mothers started on the right track with their breastfeeding goals. We can step in and offer that, often much needed, support later when moms may be feeling frustrated and about to give up.”
The program extends its support beyond hospital stays, recognizing the importance of workplace accommodations for breastfeeding mothers. Research shows that supportive workplace policies, such as paid maternity leave and designated breastfeeding areas, can significantly increase breastfeeding rates among working mothers, benefiting both families and employers through reduced absenteeism and increased employee retention.
Lacey Wilson, Chautauqua County’s Public Health Director, highlights the health benefits of breastfeeding, noting, “Breastfeeding protects babies from common infectious diseases and boosts children’s immune systems, providing the key nutrients children need to grow and develop to their full potential.”
Benefits of Breastfeeding:
- Babies: Reduced risk of respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses, ear infections, allergies, SIDS, obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, and Leukemia.
- Moms: Lower risk of Type 2 Diabetes, Breast and Ovarian Cancers, and Postpartum Depression; quicker postpartum recovery and weight loss.
Tips for Successful Breastfeeding:
- Feed early and often.
- Learn your baby’s hunger signs.
- Follow your baby’s lead.
- Keep your baby close.
- Avoid nipple confusion.
- Sleep safely and close by.
- Wake the baby when needed.
For more information on the Welcome Home Baby Program, visit HealthyCHQ.com/BABY.
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