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August kicks off National Breastfeeding Month

Experts remind moms of the medical benefits of breastfeeding

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

The theme this year for National Breastfeeding Month is “Breastfeeding and Work: Let’s Make it Work.” It is as an effort to increase awareness for mothers needing better access to breastfeeding resources in the workplace.

Part of the new Affordable Care Act requires employers to provide reasonable break time and a private, non-bathroom environment for nursing mothers to express breast milk during the workday, for up to one year after the child’s birth.

“One of the largest barriers breastfeeding moms face is returning to the workplace,” said Dr. Julie Ware, a pediatrician and lactation consultant at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. “It is so important for employers to support breastfeeding moms because the benefits are vast.”

Babies who breastfeed have:

• Lower risk of pneumonia requiring hospitalization
• Lower risk of ear infections, diarrhea, and even chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma,
  allergies and obesity
• Reduced risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
• Lower incidence among premature infants of necrotizing enterocolitis, a medical condition where portions of the bowel undergo tissue death

Also, mothers who breastfeed have reduced risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer and post-partum depression.

“We recognize that breastfeeding does not come easily for all women. There can be difficulties with things like latching, pain or supply,” said Dr. Ware. “We understand these challenges and want women to know there are resources available to help initiate and continue breastfeeding.”

Cincinnati Children’s Center for Breastfeeding Medicine has clinic appointments at our Burnet, Mason, Green Township and Northern Kentucky campuses, as well as a warm line: 513-636-2326. There are also support groups for moms to talk to other moms for encouragement through the Southwest Ohio Breastfeeding Coalition. You can find more information at http://wp.me/pFThB-4UX .

About Cincinnati Children’s

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center ranks third in the nation among all Honor Roll hospitals in U.S. News & World Report’s 2015 Best Children’s Hospitals. It is also ranked in the top 10 for all 10 pediatric specialties. Cincinnati Children’s, a non-profit organization, is one of the top three recipients of pediatric research grants from the National Institutes of Health, and a research and teaching affiliate of the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. The medical center is internationally recognized for improving child health and transforming delivery of care through fully integrated, globally recognized research, education and innovation. Additional information can be found at www.cincinnatichildrens.org. Connect on the Cincinnati Children’s blog, via Facebook and on Twitter.