World Breastfeeding Week Kicks Off New Jersey's Breastfeeding Month

August 4, 2008

August 2008 has been declared Breastfeeding Month in the state of New Jersey by Gov. John Corzine. To kick off the month, RWJ Hamilton is celebrating World Breastfeeding Week August 1 to 7 by offering educational materials to those interested in supporting breastfeeding mothers.

Highlighting the importance of providing this support is the theme of World Breastfeeding Week, Mother Support: Going for the Gold – Everyone Wins When Babies Breastfeed. The theme calls on healthcare professionals, employers, families and communities to provide a breastfeeding-friendly environment that helps new mothers reach their breastfeeding goals.

Nearly all medical and professional organizations worldwide emphasize the importance of breastfeeding and the role of support for new mothers. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, recently published a comprehensive analysis of studies on the impact of breastfeeding in developed countries. Among their conclusions, published in 2007, was that breastfeeding has a profound impact on both infant and maternal health, including reducing the risk of acute otitis media, non-specific gastroenteritis, severe lower respiratory tract infections, atopic dermatitis, asthma, obesity, type 1 and 2 diabetes, childhood leukemia, and sudden infant death syndrome in the child, as well as breast cancer, ovarian cancer and type 2 diabetes in the mother.

According to Patricia Ellis, RN, IBCLC, lactation consultant at RWJ Hamilton, knowing about the importance of breastfeeding doesn't always translate into mothers choosing to breastfeed, especially when there are challenges.

"Many women feel that breastfeeding will be difficult or painful. The reality is that with proper knowledge, assistance and support, breastfeeding is a wonderful experience," says Ellis. "Family and friends are so important in providing encouragement. A new mother is vulnerable and often feels unsure of herself in this new role—words and actions that say 'you can do it' are invaluable."

Director of RWJ Hamilton's maternal child health services, Michal Glass, RN, BSN, IBCLC, agrees, "Every mother wants to give her baby the best: best doctor, best education, best life. Breastfeeding is the ideal start to all of these. Support is what each one of us can offer to help moms succeed whether in the health care setting, as employers or as friends.