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The 2004 Breast Friends Resource Guide is now available! If your business is currently listed in the guide, you will be mailed one copy of the guide that is sent postage free.
If you or someone you know would like additional copies you need to fill out an order form by clicking on the button below. The book is free but there is a $3 charge per book for shipping and handling. Please be sure to include your name, phone number, and mailing address in the order form. It may take about 2 weeks for your book(s) to arrive. Thank you for your interest and support!
If you have any questions please email info@breast-friends.org .
Breastfeeding Awareness
When it comes to feeding babies there is nothing as good as breast milk. For most full-term, healthy babies breast milk is the only food needed for the first six months of life.
Breast milk provides protection from infections by sharing the mother's immunities with the baby, until the baby has a chance to build up an immune system. According to the U.S. department of Health & Human Services' Office on Women's Health, breastmilk contains more than 200 infection-fighting agents that cannot be replicated.
Studies show that babies who aren't breastfed exclusively for the first six months are more likely to develop asthma, allergies, and obesity in childhood. They are also more likely to suffer more colds, flu, ear infections, and other respiratory illnesses, and make more visits to the doctor.
While many Americans know that the best form of nutrition for babies is breastmilk, our nation has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the developed world - only 29% of mothers breastfeed their babies at six months postpartum. Most expectant mothers in our country start out with the intention to breastfeed, however more than half change their minds in the early postpartum period.
Fears and doubts about breastfeeding, the perceived inconvenience, and practical barriers such as returning to work are certainly contributing factors. Learning more about the added benefits of breastfeeding and the negative consequences associated with not breastfeeding will help expectant and soon-to-be expectant mothers and their partners make informed decisions.
What You Can Do
Breastfeeding requires practice and patience as you and your baby find what works for you both. Here are some tips to increase your success:
- Make a commitment to breastfeed your child
- Take a breastfeeding class, join a support group, or read a book about breastfeeding while you are pregnant
- Consult a lactation specialist before you are released from the hospital
- Use your local maternal and child health nurse as a breastfeeding resource
- Begin breastfeeding your baby as soon as possible after birth
- Breastfeed whenever your baby shows signs of hunger
- Ask for help and support from family and friends
- Wear tops that allow you to breastfeed your baby with little effort
- Use a blanket or shawl for coverage when breastfeeding around others
- Plan ahead with your employer to accommodate breastfeeding once you return to work
Online Resources:
To find more resources, publications and information about breastfeeding, visit www.4woman.gov.
Visit the Seattle and King County Public Health website for detailed breastfeeding steps and a downloadable brochure on breastfeeding.
Share notes with other breastfeeding mothers, get more breastfeeding basics and detailed tips on how to properly breastfeed your baby, and find out how companies can be supportive of breastfeeding at the La Leche League website.
For more breastfeeding information and resources for mothers and families, visit www.GotMom.org, created by the American College of Nurse-Midwives.
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