MidState Medical Center Celebrates World Breastfeeding Week

July 24, 2014

MidState Medical Center is gearing up to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, August 1-7. Recognized annually during the first week of August, the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) and breastfeeding advocates all across the globe designate this special week as an opportunity to promote and educate the public about the benefits of breastfeeding.

This year's theme Breastfeeding: A Winning Goal - for Life! emphasizes the eight global Millennium Development Goals set in 1990 by governments and the United Nations, which all focus on early, exclusive and continued breastfeeding.

Research shows that infants who are exclusively breastfed for their first six months of life are less likely to develop a wide range of chronic and acute diseases, including ear infections, diarrheal diseases, asthma, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, obesity and respiratory illnesses. Mothers who breastfeed also receive benefits because breastfeeding decreases the risk for some breast and ovarian cancers.

Hartford HealthCare, of which MidState is an affiliate, is set to host a special celebration on August 6 that brings together local and state agencies in the interest of protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding. MidState birthing center staff will be on hand promoting this year's theme with posters and educational information.

"Having adequate breastfeeding support can make all the difference in building a mother's confidence. It is so important that breastfeeding families feel encouraged in their community and have the skills and knowledge to begin a successful breastfeeding experience," said Dawn Flohr, RN, lactation consultant, MidState Medical Center.

In 2013, MidState became designated as a Baby Friendly Hospital. Achieving designation requires a facility to voluntarily implement the 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, thereby providing optimal levels of care for infant feeding and mother-baby bonding.

"We want moms to know that if they choose to breastfeed their baby, we will be here for them every step of the way," said Flohr.