MDHB celebrates World Breastfeeding Week, 1-7 August

MidCentral District Health Board will be celebrating World Breastfeeding Week, from 1-7 August 2014.

The world theme this year is Breastfeeding: A Winning Goal for life. It acknowledges that when mothers and babies succeed in their breastfeeding plans, they can enjoy a lifetime of benefits.

Infant feeding is one of the most important decisions a family can make, and most women who choose to breastfeed have a specific goal in mind.

Research shows that babies who receive only breastmilk for the first six months of life are less likely to develop a wide range of chronic and acute diseases, including ear infections, diarrheal diseases, asthma, obesity, and respiratory illnesses. Mothers also benefit from breastfeeding with a decreased risk for breast and ovarian cancers.

To reach the goal of exclusive breastfeeding, mothers need a team of helpers and healthcare professionals to support them. This breastfeeding team can include: family, midwives, lactation consultants, doctors, nurses, employers, and childcare providers.

Lactation consultants are often regarded as the ‘head coaches’ for the breastfeeding team, providing expertise and guidance for the mother.

This year’s theme is celebrated in MidCentral Health’s Women’s Health and Neonatal units with displays and the presentation of certificates to mothers and staff members that emphasise the significance of providing support to breastfeeding families.

MDHB supports a strong team that includes people and organisations who share a passion and enthusiasm for protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding.

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