Texas WIC News, Volume 26, Number 4, July/August 2017 Page: 4
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National Breastfeeding Month -
Breastfeeding: Strength Through Support!by Faith Njoroge, MS
Breastfeeding Promotion Nutritionist, i-
117.;
tInitiation of breastfeeding within one hour
of birth and exclusive breastfeeding for the
first six months of an infant's life are key fac-
tors for the survival and health of a newborn.
While most women in the United States start
out breastfeeding, they face many barriers in
their communities, and workplaces. They are
unable to find the support they need to make
breastfeeding work, and within three months
of giving birth, more than two-thirds are al-
ready using formula. At six months more than
half are no longer breastfeeding. In Texas, data
from the 2016 Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention Breastfeeding Report Card shows
that although 82 percent of babies start out
breastfeeding, only 46.5 percent are breastfed
at six months.
This August, Texas WIC will celebrate National
Breastfeeding Month with the theme Breast-
feeding: Strength Through Support! The theme
focuses on building and strengthening partner-
ships to support, promote and protect breast-
feeding.
Although the choice to breastfeed is up to the4
mother, the ability to meet breastfeeding goals
depends on the care and support she receives
during her pregnancy, child birth, hospital
experience, and throughout her breastfeeding
journey.
Given the importance of breastfeeding for the
health and well-being of mothers and babies, it
is important that family members, communi-
ties, clinicians, health care systems and em-
ployers take collaborative action in building a
community of brcastteeding support. It takes a
village to raise a child.
Family and Social Support
Within families, the practices and experiences
of female relatives influences a mother's deci-
sion and duration of breisI feeding. Women
with friends and family who have breastfed
successfully are more likely to initiate and con-
tinue breastfeeding.
Similarly, the attitudes and preferences of
fathers can affect breastfeeding. Women whose
partners support breastfeeding are more likely
to breastfeed, and for a longer duration.
Families can show support by attending classes
alongside expectant mothers, helping with
chores around the house, and helping mothers
find solutions to breastfeeding challenges dur-
ing their breastfeeding journey.
Health Care Providers
Health-care providers have a unique oppor-
tunity of influencing and supporting feeding
decisions at key moments before and after
birth. When challenges occur, they play a huge
role in encouraging moms to continue breast-
feeding and only supplement when necessary.
Some health-care providers however lack the
skills to help women when they have problems
with breastfeeding. Some may have insuffi-
cient knowledge about breastfeeding and may
be unable to properly counsel their patients
on specifics about breastfeeding techniques,
current health recommendations about breast-
feeding, and strategies to continue breastfeed-
ing after discharge.
TEXAS VINews5
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Texas. Department of State Health Services. Texas WIC News, Volume 26, Number 4, July/August 2017, periodical, July 2017; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1032980/m1/4/?q=%22Education%22: accessed July 10, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.