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August 1st through 7th is World Breastfeeding Week, and the entire month is Missouri Breastfeeding Awareness Month. Why is there so much attention given to something so natural? The answer is simple - it is an inexpensive way to provide good health for not only baby, but mom as well. Here are reasons to consider breastfeeding.
- Breast milk digests easier than formula. Therefore, breast-fed babies tend to have less problems with gas and constipation than those who are fed formula.
- Breast milk is rich in disease-fighting antibodies, which helps them to have fewer ear infections, upset stomachs, colds, and other childhood illnesses than formula-fed babies.
- A mother's milk has exactly the right amount of fat, sugar, water, and protein to meet a growing baby's needs.
- Breast-fed babies are less likely to develop diabetes and asthma later in life.
- Breast-fed babies are less vulnerable to suddn infant death syndrome, keeping your baby safe from a fatal illness.
- Milk production for new moms burns 200 to 500 calories every day.
- Breastfeeding mothers have a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
- Breastfeeding may reduce the mother's risk of osteoporosis and hip fractures after menopause.
The WIC program at Butler County Health Department offers various breast services to new and expectant mothers. These include:
- Prenatal breastfeeding classes
- Breast pump loan program
- Breastfeeding peer counselors
- Lactation consultant
- Breastfeeding room for nursing mothers
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