LCHM Fall 2017 - 13

L C M E D S O C .O R G

Promote. Support. Protect.
THE BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING YOUR BABY

Did you know that
UNICEF, WHO, AAP,
and CDC recommend
exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6
months of a child's life,
and then continuing
for 12 months or as
long as mother and
baby choose?

Breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial source of nutrition and provides
the healthiest start for an infant.
BREASTFEEDING SAVES LIVES. Research shows that if 90% of
families breastfeed exclusively for 6 months, nearly 1,000 deaths among
infants could be prevented.
BREASTFEEDING SAVES MONEY. The United States would save
$2.2 billion per year. This is because medical costs are lower for fully
breastfed infants than non-breastfed infants. Breastfed infants usually
need fewer sick care visits, prescriptions, and hospitalizations. It would
also save each family around $1,500 due to formula and supplies.
BREASTFEEDING IS BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT.
Formula cans and bottles create more trash and plastic waste.
Mom's milk is a renewable resource that comes clean, warm, and
ready to use.
SO, HOW CAN WE HELP TO PROTECT, PROMOTE, AND
SUPPORT THIS IN OUR COMMUNITY?
The Lehigh Valley Breastfeeding Coalition is here to facilitate
community efforts to do these three things. We want breastfeeding
to be the cultural norm in Lehigh, Northampton, and Carbon
counties. We are a network of health care providers, nurses, community members, hospitals, business owners, and community based
organizations working together to create a breastfeeding-friendly
culture and environment among the hospitals, providers, business,
community members, and local leaders.

There is support for breastfeeding families here in our community. If you or someone you know is having a problem
breastfeeding, call someone before you quit.

The Allentown Health Bureau has two Certified Breastfeeding counselors on staff ready to talk with you or come
to your home.

All hospitals have consultants and counselors on staff to assist you.
And remember breastfeeding is protected by Pennsylvania's
Freedom to Breastfeed Act and Fair Labor Standards Act.
We want everyone to recognize and encourage the importance
of sustaining breastfeeding for the health of the community.

Go to www.lehighvalleybreastfeeding.org
for a list of local support groups, peer supports, and
resources for you to call. Or call the national hotline at

1-800-994-9662.

You can promote breastfeeding by
supporting Lehigh Valley
Breastfeeding-Friendly
businesses. Just look for this logo.
FALL 2017 | Lehigh County Health & Medicine 13

http://www.LCMEDSOC.ORG http://www.lehighvalleybreastfeeding.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of LCHM Fall 2017