World Breastfeeding Week is August 1-7

More than 120 countries celebrate World Breastfeeding Week August 1 – 7 each year. Its aim is to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies around the world.

The University of Michigan Health System will participate in the celebration this year by holding public education seminars to address the myths and facts surrounding breastfeeding.

The keynote speaker at the World Breastfeeding event at the University is Dr. Lisa Hammer, Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan's Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases and Medical Director of Briarwood Center for Women, Children, and Young Adults. A question and answer session is scheduled for Monday, August 2nd, 7 – 8:30 pm. It is open to the public. The session will be held at the Briarwood Center, located at 400 East Eisenhower Parkway, Suite B, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Their phone number is 734-232-2600.

Dr. Hammer stated, “There is an increased awareness of the importance of breastfeeding and more women are making the initial choice to breastfeed. However, women frequently encounter problems in the first few days to weeks and without adequate support, they make a decision to quit breastfeeding and transition to formula feeding.”

The World Health Organization, WHO, recommends exclusive breastfeeding until a baby is six months old and continued breastfeeding with the addition of nutritious complementary foods for up to two years or beyond.

There are a number of reasons health experts recommend breastfeeding:

• Breastfed newborns tend to have fewer ear infections, respiratory infections, and gastroenteritis.
• Breastfeeding causes the mother's uterus to contract and reduces uterine bleeding after delivery.
• Breastfeeding contributes to bonding between mother and baby.
• Breastfeeding helps moms lose weight following delivery.
• A family can save a sizable amount of money breastfeeding as opposed to buying formula.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, the state of Michigan reports approximately 65 percent of mothers breastfed their baby. The percentage falls to 31 percent at 6 months, and 14 percent at 12 months.

Please click here for a list of breastfeeding informational resources in the Michigan area, or for general information for all women who have questions and concerns about breastfeeding.

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