National Breastfeeding Month: The Importance of Breastfeeding to Public Health

Raising Awareness

August is National Breastfeeding Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers. Breastfeeding is not just a personal choice, but also a public health issue that can have a significant impact on the well-being of individuals and communities.

Breastfeeding is a natural and essential way to provide infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. Breast milk contains a perfect balance of proteins, fats, vitamins, and antibodies that can help protect babies from infections and diseases. Research has shown that breastfed babies are less likely to develop respiratory infections, ear infections, and gastrointestinal issues compared to formula-fed babies.

A Positive Impact on Public Health

But the benefits of breastfeeding extend beyond the individual child. Breastfeeding can also have a positive impact on public health by reducing healthcare costs and promoting environmental sustainability. Breastfeeding has been linked to lower rates of childhood obesity, diabetes, and certain types of cancer, which can help lessen the burden on healthcare systems. Additionally, breastfeeding is a sustainable and eco-friendly way to feed babies, as it requires fewer resources and produces less waste compared to formula feeding.

Education, Resources, & Support

Despite the numerous benefits of breastfeeding, many mothers face challenges when it comes to breastfeeding, such as lack of support, cultural barriers, and workplace policies that do not accommodate breastfeeding mothers. National Breastfeeding Month aims to address these challenges by providing education, resources, and support to help mothers overcome barriers and make informed decisions about breastfeeding.

Lactational Pharmacology Research

Four out of five new mothers in the United States start out breastfeeding. Half of this population will require medication, but lactational pharmacology research is limited. Too often mothers are advised to discontinue or avoid taking medications due to the unknown impact on the infant. These mothers are left with a choice between taking medicine or continuing to breastfeed.

Hale’s Medications and Mothers’ Milk and HalesMeds help lactation consultants and healthcare professionals to ensure breastfeeding mothers can safely take the medications they need. Covering over 1,300 drugs, diseases, vaccines, syndromes, herbals, and street drugs, it enables providers to quickly provide meaningful counsel that can lead to improved patient outcomes.

Create a Healthier Future

Breastfeeding is not only important for the health and well-being of infants and mothers but also plays a crucial role in promoting public health. By supporting and encouraging breastfeeding, we can help create a healthier future for our children and communities. This National Breastfeeding Month, let's celebrate the power of breastfeeding and work towards creating a more breastfeeding-friendly society.