August is National Breastfeeding Month and members of the Audrain County Health Department are using the occasion to promote, encourage, educate, and support breastfeeding moms.

“Breast milk has so many benefits; it is complete nutrition that is easily digestible while also providing disease and allergy protection for infants,” ACHD dietician and lactation consultant Greta Hopke said. “Without breast milk infants are more susceptible to viruses as well as sudden infant death syndrome, leukemia and diabetes.”

Hopke said the benefits of breastfeeding also carry into adulthood. Adults who were fully breastfed as infants are at less risk for obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even certain cancers.

She adds that breastfeeding is also incredibly beneficial to mothers, in that mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk for breast and ovarian cancer, and high blood pressure (including preeclampsia in future pregnancies).

“Breastfeeding helps mom bond with their baby and can reduce the chances of postpartum depression,” Hopke said. “Healthier babies and moms help build a healthier community.”

The WIC program at ACHD provides breastfeeding education and support for prenatal and breastfeeding moms in our community.

In addition, ACHD has services that are available to any pregnant or breastfeeding mom in the community, including a monthly Mom2Mom group which provides breastfeeding support, one-on-one lactation consults, “Pumps for All” (a hospital-grade breast pump loan program) and “Tips and Tricks for Feeding Your Newborn” (prenatal breastfeeding class).

Contact ACHD at 573-581-1332 for further information.