BREASTFEEDING

       Breastmilk is the natural first food for babies, it provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the first months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to one-third during the second year of life. Breastmilk promotes sensory and cognitive development, and protects the infant against infectious and chronic diseases. Exclusive breastfeeding reduces infant mortality due to common childhood illnesses such as diarrhoea or pneumonia, and helps for a quicker recovery during illness. These effects can be measured in  resource-poor and affluent societies (Kramer M et al  Promotion of Breastfeeding Intervention Trial (PROBIT): A randomized trial in the Republic of Belarus. Journal of the American Medical Association, 2001, 285 (4): 413-420)

        While breastfeeding is a natural act, it is also a learned behaviour.  An extensive body of research has demonstrated that  mothers and other caregivers require active support for establishing and sustaining appropriate breastfeeding practices. WHO and UNICEF launched the Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative in 1992, to strengthen maternity practices to support breastfeeding.  http://www.who.int/child-adolescent-health/NUTRITION/infant_exclusive.htm

                   Here are some links to information and resources about breastfeeding.

               Anatomy Of The Breast: How the Breast Makes Milk

               The Breast Milk Theory of Love by Sheri Winston

                Using Fenugreek to Increase Milk Supply

               http://www.lllohio.org/groups/index.html This is 'THE' source for breastfeeding information and support. 

               Use the site to help solve common breastfeeding problems, locate a lactation consultant, or find a breastfeeding               

               support group in your area.

                  

               http://www.breastfeedingonline.com/newman.shtml  Dr. Jack Newman's articles on breastfeeding.  He is a pioneer

               in the field of pediatrics and author of The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers.

                   

              http://www.BFLRC.COM This is Bright Future Lactation Resource Center's website.  They offer lactation

              consultants by phone as well as references to local organizations.

                   

               www.promom.org ProMoM Inc. - Promoting the awareness and acceptance of breastfeeding.  This site offers articles

               in support of breastfeeding as well as resources for working mothers.

                   

               www.medela.com If you need to pump while you're at work, Medela offers several different high quality pumps.  There

               is an online chat group moderated by a lactation consultant and a directory of lactation consultants in your area.

                http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/breastfeednem.asp Breastfeeding Nemesis

                    http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/foodforthought.asp Breastfeeding: Food for Thought

                    http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/formula.asp Report Finds that Using Formula Doubles the Death Rate for US Infants