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Breastfeeding Awareness Month: Nurturing Health and Bonding

From Jeff Neagle, Communications Specialist
Lake Cumberland District Health Department

August is a special month dedicated to celebrating and promoting the vital practice of breastfeeding, an important aspect of maternal and infant health. National Breastfeeding Awareness Month shines a spotlight on the benefits of breastfeeding. It provides an opportunity to advocate for support systems that make this natural practice more accessible to all families.

Breastfeeding is often referred to as nature's perfect nutrition. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of a baby's life. This means that no other foods or drinks other than a vitamin D supplement are typically given. After the introduction of foods at six months of age, recommendations include continued breastfeeding until at least one to two years of age.

Breast milk provides a unique blend of nutrients, antibodies, and hormones critical for a baby's growth and development. It's not just a source of nourishment but a foundation for a lifetime of health. Studies have shown that breastfed babies have lower risks of infections, respiratory illnesses, and chronic conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The benefits of breastfeeding extend beyond the infant. For mothers, breastfeeding benefits include faster recovery following delivery, weight loss, and decreased risk of postpartum depression.


Long-term benefits for the mother include a decreased risk of breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Breastfeeding also fosters a special bond between mother and baby, characterized by skin-to-skin contact and emotional closeness.

Despite these advantages, many mothers face challenges when it comes to breastfeeding. Issues like lack of support, physical difficulties, and societal pressures can create obstacles. National Breastfeeding Awareness Month serves as a crucial reminder of the need for increased support at all levels--families, workplaces, and communities.

The Lake Cumberland District Health Department (LCDHD) wants to help you successfully breastfeed your infant through a program that started in 2011, the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program. With participation in this program a breastfeeding coordinator and peer counselor are available to help you get started with breastfeeding, support you throughout your breastfeeding journey, and aid in solving breastfeeding issues.

The Peer Counselor program is a free program offered by LCDHD through the Kentucky WIC Program that provides one-on-one support to pregnant and breastfeeding WIC mothers. A peer counselor will work with you during your pregnancy and assist you with any questions, or concerns you may have with breastfeeding. This is done through mailings, phone calls, and periodic visits. After delivery, the peer counselor will continue to provide support throughout your breastfeeding experience.

We currently have peer counselors available throughout our district. Our peer counselors are available to support mothers outside of regular business hours to answer any breastfeeding questions our WIC mothers may have.

For more information about the free peer counselor program and WIC Breastfeeding Support, contact your local health department or LCDHD at 1-800-928-4416.


This story was posted on 2024-08-27 16:03:58
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