St. Charles County Department of Community
Health & The Environment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, August 18, 2004
CONTACT:
Contact: Nancy Duncan, Director, Division of Public Health 636-949-7407
Julie Burkemper, Public Information Officer 636-949-7408
St. Charles County Observes August as Breastfeeding Promotion Month
County Health Department Promotes the Important Benefits of Breastfeeding
St. Charles County - St. Charles County Department of Community Health and the Environment reminds women that one of the single most important decisions a new mother can make to assure health and contentment for her baby is to breastfeed. This simple fact is being celebrated and reinforced as the state prepares to proclaim August as Missouri Breastfeeding Month.
According to Gil Copley, Director of St. Charles County Department of Community Health and the Environment, the County’s Division of Public Health supports and promotes breastfeeding. “One purpose of our Women, Infants and Children program is to dispel myths and unreasoned fears, and provide accurate information to support those who want to breastfeed,” Copley said.
Experts agree breastfeeding promotes baby’s good health both in the beginning and throughout life. Breast milk can be credited with helping to facilitate the development of a baby’s brain as well as aiding in the growth of its immune system to withstand such aliments as diarrhea, ear infections and infections of the respiratory and urinary tracts. It also reduces the baby’s risk of environment-borne illnesses, food sensitization and allergies. The baby who is breastfed exclusively for at least six months has a reduced risk of obesity later in life. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that new mothers breastfeed their babies for at least the first year.
Mothers enjoy tangible health benefits as well. Breastfeeding reduces postpartum bleeding, helps the mother return to her pre-pregnancy size sooner, boosts her immune system and even reduces a diabetic mother’s need for insulin. Long term benefits include a mother’s increased protection from breast and ovarian cancers and osteoporosis.
A joint outreach initiative of the United National Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) has made the gold bow the national symbol for the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding. The two loops represent the mother and the child. The knot symbolizes the father, family and society who play pivotal roles in creating a conductive environment for breastfeeding.
Division of Public Health staff are supporting Breastfeeding Promotion Month by wearing gold bows and hosted a reception last month for clients of the Women, Infants and Children program who have made the “gold standard” choice to breastfeed. The reception included a drawing and door prizes which were donated and made by staff members.
For more information please visit www.scchealth.org, www.unicef.org and www.waba.org.my or call the St. Charles County Department of Community Health and the Environment at 636-94-7400.
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