News Release

For Immediate Release                     Contact:  Irene G. Warren, Director of Development

July 24, 2003                                (937) 374-5626 or 1-866-858-3588

GREENE COUNTY COMBINED HEALTH DISTRICT ANNOUNCES

BREAST FEEDING AWARENESS WEEK 
AUGUST 1 – 7, 2003

(Xenia, OH) Greene County Combined Health District announces Breast Feeding Awareness Week, Breastfeeding: Healthy Mothers and Healthy Babies, 

August 1 – 7, 2003. The week emphasizes the challenge of promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding in an ever-changing world.

 “Breastfeeding is an integral component of maternal and child health,” said Ohio Department of Health’s Director, J. Nick Baird, M.D. “Mothers’ milk enhances the growth, development and well-being of infants by providing the best possible nutrition and protection against specific infections and allergies.”

 The infant feeding decision can have long-term consequences on the growth and success of children. Through human milk, the mother’s antibodies to disease are transferred to the infant. This results in breastfed babies having fewer illnesses than do formula-fed babies. Because of increased bonding, improved cognitive development and the many health benefits, breastfeeding can help ensure a positive start for infants and young children. Research published in the May 2001 edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association indicates breastfeeding may reduce the risk of obesity, which is at epidemic levels in both Ohio and the United States.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends infants be breastfed for at least one year. In May 2001, the World Health Assembly passed a resolution recommending infants be exclusively breastfed for six months. The Healthy People 2010 Breastfeeding Goal for the nation is at least 75 percent of infants will be breastfeeding by the time they are discharged from the hospital and at least 50 percent will continue to be breastfed until at least 6 months of age.

Women who breastfeed have a lower risk of postpartum blood loss, reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer and a faster return to pre-pregnancy weight.

 “The Ohio Department of Health encourages Ohio obstetricians and gynecologists to promote breastfeeding to their patients because of the many health benefits associated with breastfeeding for women as well as infants,” Baird said.

 Greene County Combined Health District’s Prenatal and Well Child clinic and the Women, Children and Infant’s (WIC) program have a strong mandate to promote and support breastfeeding. These clinics and programs have trained staff who provide research-based, culturally sensitive information regarding breastfeeding.

 “The Health District must provide Greene County expectant mothers and their families with enough information to make informed choices about infant feeding,” said, Nancy Cohen, WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator. “Once the decision to breastfeed has been made, we must provide a supportive environment to encourage the continuation of breastfeeding. Ultimately, the whole society will benefit from having healthier mothers, babies and children.”

 For additional information regarding breastfeeding in Greene County, contact Greene County Combined Health District, Nancy Cohen, RD, LD, IBCLC, and WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator at 937-374-5642, 1-866-858-3588, extension 5642, or  “Help Me Grow” Program, 1-800-755-GROW.

 Greene County Combined Health District – Your center for public health services and health information in Greene County for over 70 years.

Healthy People…Healthy Communities