Breastfeeding is a foundation of a healthy life. For the past 27 years, the first week of August has been declared World Breastfeeding Week. Breastfeeding helps to prevent malnutrition, ensures food security for infants and young children, and helps to bring people out of the hunger and poverty cycle.
Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways for a mother to protect the health of her infant, including reducing the child’s risk for becoming overweight or obese. Breastmilk is easily digested and has antibodies that pass from the mother to the infant, which help to protect against illness, including diabetes, ear infections, and allergies. Breastfeeding has also been shown to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Breastfeeding is recommended as the optimal nutrition for infants by health and medical professional organizations.
Support from the community, health care providers, employers, and family members helps to increase public awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding . Here at ADHS, breastfeeding messages and support are available for a variety of audiences. The gobreastmilk.org website has information for child care providers, hospitals, health care providers, insurance companies, WIC staff, community partners, businesses, and moms and families in Arizona.
Did you know that ADHS provides a 24-Hour Breastfeeding Hotline? Registered nurses that are International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) answer the calls in English or Spanish with access to a multi-language line. Call the 24-Hour Breastfeeding Hotline at 1-800-833-4642 to get answers to your questions and support for your breastfeeding concerns.
