Chicago, IL – August 2023 – August marks National Breastfeeding Month, a time of heightened awareness and appreciation for the remarkable benefits of breastfeeding. At Near North Health (NNH), this observance takes on special significance as the organization actively promotes the well-being of women and infants through comprehensive support and education.
“Breastfeeding is a fundamental cornerstone of maternal and child health,” said Anna Anderson, Director of Nutrition Servicces at NNH. “We are proud to provide a range of programs designed to enhance the breastfeeding experience for women and families in our community.”
NNH Resources and Support for Breastfeeding
NNH’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is a cornerstone of its breastfeeding initiatives. With a team of 8 certified lactation specialists, 1 nurse, and 1 health educator, NNH offers comprehensive lactation coaching to new mothers. The focus is on providing guidance and ensuring that women have the support they need for a successful breastfeeding journey.
“Through our ISPAN (Illinois State Physical Activity and Nutrition) grant we focused on broadening our scope of breast/chestfeeding by making our Nutrition team more inclusive, update our breast/chesting rooms and help our providers become certified lactation specialists,” Anderson explained.
During National Breastfeeding Month, NNH is deeply engaged in initiatives to promote breastfeeding awareness and education. From lactation classes and lunch-and-learns to providing self-care goodie bags for expecting mothers, NNH is committed to ensuring that mothers receive the care they deserve.
Breastfeeding vs. Baby Formula
The benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and babies are substantial.
- For mothers, it reduces the risk of various health conditions including high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol. The convenience and bonding it fosters enhances the overall experience.
- Breastfed babies enjoy a range of benefits, including lowered risk of asthma, obesity, Type 1 diabetes, ear infections, respiratory illness, diarrhea, SIDS, and necrotizing enterocolitis.
“Breastfeeding provides ideal infant nutrition and antibodies that bolster a healthy immune system. It’s a testament to the natural bond between a mother and her child,” Anderson said.
Breastfeeding offers numerous advantages over formula-feeding. Breast milk is a remarkable source of nutrition that adapts to a baby’s changing needs, providing essential nutrients and antibodies that enhance their immune system. Unlike formula, breast milk is easily digestible, reducing the likelihood of gastrointestinal discomfort. The natural composition of breast milk contributes to a lower risk of allergies, obesity, and chronic diseases later in life.
Connecting with resources like Near North Health’s lactating coaches can offer valuable insights on managing breastfeeding and work commitments, making the journey smoother for working mothers. Additional insights for working parents can be accessed at this link.
Breastfeeding remains a cornerstone of maternal and child health, and NNH’s commitment to empowering women and nurturing healthy beginnings is unwavering. For more information about NNH’s breastfeeding support programs and resources, please visit www.nearnorthhealth.org.
Near North Health is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and one of the oldest providers of community-based primary health care in Chicago. We provide medical services, social services, and nutrition education to uninsured and underinsured individuals and families. Our philosophy reflects a commitment to providing access to innovative healthcare no matter where one comes from, what they look like or how long it’s been since they last saw a doctor. Additional information about our mission and services is available at www.nearnorthhealth.org.
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