OHIO, USA — It's something they provide every day, but during Ohio's Breastfeeding Awareness Month in August, the Toledo Lucas County Health Department is pushing for more engagement.
Experts said breastfeeding is a proven factor in reducing the risk of infection, disease and overall infant mortality rates.
They believe entire communities' benefit from having healthier mothers, babies and children when breastfeeding is promoted and supported.
"Weather their giving some formula and breastfeeding or even just breastfeeding once a day, any breast milk is important for a baby. It gets Mom's antibodies, it coats their intestinal system, it's just such a great thing for them. It keeps them healthier and breast milk taste like the food that moms eat," said Gloria Shortridge, a board-certified lactation consultant.
According to the state, close to 5,000 babies are born in Lucas County every year. And every family has to find the most nutritious and effective way to feed them.
Representatives with the state told WTOL breast feeding isn't for everyone but every choice on how to feed a child should be an informed one. Consultants want the community to know they are here to help.
They now offer two board-certified lactation consultants and five breast feeding support peer helpers who share information, breastfeeding techniques and resources to mothers within eight different WIC sites.
During August, there are support and informational events offered every week in hopes of raising the number of breast-fed babies in Lucas County.
Currently, more than 79 percent of infants have been breast fed at least once.
They say you shouldn't do it alone and if you want to breast feed, a peer helper can make the process easier.
"It can be uncomfortable the first couple weeks and that usually means we have to adjust the latch a little bit. When babies are born, they don't necessarily know what they are doing it's up to mom to kind of get them latched correctly and sometimes they come here we make just a little adjustment and that babies doing just fine and that mom says wow it doesn't hurt," said Shortridge.
Many peer helpers have been breastfeeding mothers before who have now gained more education and training.
The health department is looking for more passionate helpers to certify. To find more information, click HERE.
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