August is National Breastfeeding Month, and the Berrien County Health Department is spreading the message to new mothers about the benefits of breastfeeding.
Tami LeValley, a breastfeeding counsellor with the ministry, said breast milk is very beneficial for a baby's health.
“There are so many benefits for mothers and babies,” LeValley says. “Breastmilk can protect babies against things like Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), diabetes, certain types of cancer, high cholesterol, and even allergies.”
LeValley says breastfeeding is also good for a baby's emotional development because breast milk contains hormones that promote calm, and she points out that there are programs available to help mothers overcome barriers to breastfeeding.
“WIC has a program whereby nursing mothers can receive an increased food package on top of their benefits to supplement the nutritional needs of breastfeeding.”
LeValley said the health department is also working to set up breastfeeding support groups, with information on that to be released soon.
The department's annual “Breastfeeding on the Bluff” event was held last weekend at Lake Bluff Park in St. Joseph, where LeValley said about 20 families showed up in the spirit of solidarity. Participants received gift bags and there was a raffle. LeValley said the event was a beautiful sight.
Mothers seeking breastfeeding support can contact the Berrien County Health Department at 269-363-1168.
