The Breastfeeding Corner

In honor of World Breastfeeding Week [August 1 thru August 7], The Breastfeeding Corner is focused on breastfeeding education. Experts agree that breast-milk is optimal nutrition for baby's first year. Breastfeeding rates continue to climb, but remain below goals set in 2010. In an effort to increase the proportion of mothers who breastfeed, Health People 2020 has developed a national mandate that will increase breastfeeding in the early postpartum period, at 6 months, and at 12 months postpartum.

Hispanic and white mother's initiation rates are over 75 percent. They dip to 45% at six months and fall below 25% at 12 month. In contrast, current African-American initiation rates are 55 percent, only 27% at 6 months, and a disappointing 12% at 12 months. For this reason, developing programs that protect, promote, and support breastfeeding has become the focus of numerous organizations: including the World Health Organization assisted by UNICEF; the Center for Disease Control and Prevention; the American Academy of Pediatrics; La Leche League International, and the WIC & Nutrition breastfeeding program that assist mothers locally.

• Part I - begins with the third trimester of pregnancy - preparing to breastfeed, getting ready for baby and setting up a breastfeeding station.
• Part II - continues with the first week postpartum - labor, delivery & breastfeeding, what to expect, breastfeeding management and who to call for help.
• Part III - follows with the next six weeks of breastfeeding - getting to know your baby, maintaining your milk supply and most importantly, who to call for support.
• Part IV - concludes with breastfeeding six months and beyond - going back to work, starting solids, breastfeeding your toddler and weaning with love.