By Courtney Gran
Argus Student Intern
The month of August is set aside each year in Minnesota to raise awareness of the many benefits of breastfeeding.
For mothers, babies, and families there are many reasons to breastfeed. For babies, mother’s milk is designed to provide them with what they need for their growth and development. It contains live antibodies and has just the right amount of protein, vitamins, and minerals to protect the baby from infection and illnesses. Mother’s milk is nature’s vaccine for the newborn, contributing to the development of the brain and nervous system and helps the infant attain optimal health.
Studies have reported that breastfeeding lessens a child’s chance of developing allergies, getting ear infections, and becoming overweight. More recent studies have also shown that breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast cancer and postpartum depression.
For mothers and families, breastfeeding provides baby with optimal nutrition at no cost and mothers can enjoy the closeness of breastfeeding. It also helps mothers lose weight and keeps their bones healthy.
Breastfeeding supporter and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) mother, Erin Cognac commented that breastfeeding is a “nice way to bond with your baby.” Cognac says that the specialness of breastfeeding comes from the fact that no one else can provide this, you are the main source of food.
Tasha Carney, another breastfeeding supporter and WIC mother agrees whole heartedly with Congnac. “The bond is priceless. With bottle feeding anybody can feed your baby. With breastfeeding, you are the only one who can provide. You really have to commit to spending time with your baby.”
Cognac and Carney are two of many WIC mothers who breastfeed. “In Houston County, approximately 75% of our babies initially enrolled in WIC are breastfed at birth,” according to Diane Sullivan RD, WIC Coordinator. 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.
Based on an analysis of national health cost data, if all U.S. newborns were breastfed for at least 12 weeks, the nation would save close to $4 billion annually due to illness reduction.
According to Cognac, her daughter, Campbell, was never sick during the year she was nursed, even during flu and cold season. Carney’s nine-month old son is also a very healthy child. “He has never had an ear infection, just one small cold.”
Cognac nursed her baby for over a year. Doctors think that babies should nurse for a least 12 months.
“A lot of moms quit after the first few weeks because those first few weeks are the hardest, but it gets easier from then on.” This is something both Cognac and Carney agree on.
“It isn’t comfy for you or the baby right away, but it shouldn’t hurt,” said Cognac. “It is awkward at first but it is 100% natural.”
Carney agrees, urging women to stick it out. “As a parent you need to do what is best for your child, and this is the most important thing you can do for your kids.”
It is, however, difficult for some to nurse for 12 months, but both Cognac and Carney said that there are ways around inconvience.
“Breastfeeding is so conveinent. You don’t have to mix bottles in the middle of the night, and it is free, but sometimes it gets difficult,” said Carney. “There are ways to get around inconvience though. You can pump and freeze bottles. They still get the same benefits from pumping.”
Another Caledonia citizen and WIC mother said that convience is what sold her on breastfeeding. “That was the biggest thing. It is so easy and convient. It is always the right temp and it is better for them.”
She also urges anyone who is considering breastfeeding to take classes from hospitals and clinics. “Take the classes and talk to professionals. Don’t get your information from people who are not educated about it. The classes will tell you what to expect. I think you are more likely to stick it out if you take the classes.”
All three women agree that it is worth giving a shot.
“I think you have more of a chance regretting not doing it,” said Carney. “It is one thing you can control about your child’s health.”
And now, more than ever, there is a lot of support. The WIC program in Houston County offers breastfeeding education and support for pregnant and breastfeeding women. If you would like more information on breastfeeding you can email Diane Sullivan, WIC Coordinator at <
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