Health Alliance

Weschester Medical Center Health Network

A ugust is National Breastfeeding Month. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends women breastfeed their babies only breastmilk for about the first six months of life, followed by breastfeeding in combination with food until at least 12 months of age. This combination of breastfeeding and food can continue for as long as desired by both mother and baby.

The longer a baby breastfeeds, the more benefits there are for that baby. Breastmilk has antibodies (which help fight disease) and the right amount of fat, water, sugar, protein and nutrients vital for the baby. As the baby grows, the mother’s breastmilk changes to meet the baby’s needs. Breastmilk is also easier than formula for babies to digest.

Not only does breastfeeding help babies fight off disease, it can improve survival during the first year of life and lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Babies who are breastfed have a lower chance of developing some allergies, type 1 diabetes and obesity.

There are breastfeeding benefits for mom as well, including less blood loss after childbirth, improved healing and postpartum weight loss, lower likelihood of experiencing postpartum depression and less chance of developing health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, certain kinds of cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. Breastfeeding also can strengthen the emotional bond between mother and baby. Additionally, it is less expensive than formula.

The decision to breastfeed is a personal one, and every mom deserves support no matter how she chooses to feed her baby.

The Family Birth Place at Health Alliance of the Hudson Valley, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network, provides a range of services for expectant women in a secure, yet family-friendly environment where the well-being of our mothers and babies is our highest priority. Many of the staff are Certified Lactation Counselors and all staff support breastfeeding. To learn more about the facility or to schedule a tour, call (845) 3313131, ext. 2241.

For more information about Health-Alliance of the Hudson Valley, a member of Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMC-Health),