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Human breast milk is the preferred feeding method for infants. It provides ideal nutrition that is sufficient to support optimal growth and development for the first six months of life. Gradual introduction of iron-enriched solid foods at about 6 to 12 months should complement the breast milk diet.
It is recommended that breast-feeding continue for at least 12 months and thereafter for as long as mutually desired by mom and infant, according to the Web site www.pediatrics.org.
Breast-feeding has many benefits for both infants and the mother. Breast milk has immunoglobins that protect babies from infections; formula does not contain these.
Some health benefits of breast-feeding for infants include: decreased common childhood infections; reduced risk of diarrhea and vomiting, severe lower respiratory tract infections, and asthma; protection against allergies and intolerances; association with higher IQ and school performance through adolescence; reduced risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, type 1 and 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and childhood leukemia; and a reduced risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Some benefits for the mother include: strong bonding with the infant; increased calorie expenditure, which may lead to faster return to pre-pregnancy weight; decreased risk of chronic disease such as type 2 diabetes, breast cancer and ovarian cancer; improved bone density and decreased risk of hip fracture; decreased risk of postpartum depression; and money saved from not buying formula and increased medical expenses associated with formula feeding, according to the Web site www.eatright.org.
Breast-feeding can be challenging, so the KMC has many resources available to help you succeed with breast-feeding.The Ramstein Women, Infants and Children Overseas Office will be having a breast-feeding support group for all breast-feeding mothers from 4 to 5 p.m. Aug. 31 in the WIC Overseas building in the third floor conference room. If you plan on attending, call 480-4466 or 06371-47-4466, send an e-mail to jodi.klabunde.ctr@ramstein.af.mil, or stop by the office in Bldg. 2118 on Ramstein.
There are also many other classes in the KMC:
• Landstuhl hospital has a lactation consultant who provides breast-feeding classes from 6 to 8 p.m. every first Thursday of the month. For details, call 06371-86-5081.
• A New Parent Support Program has a breast-feeding class every third Monday of the month. For details, call Shirley Bulen at 06371-46-2098.
• The Mom 2 Mom breast-feeding support group holds meetings from 9:30 to 11 a.m. every third Wednesday of the month. Call Rene Drake at 0151-2356-1549 for more information.
• La Leche League also holds regular meetings. Call Rene Drake at 0151-2356-1549 for class dates and times and for more information.
• The movie theater at the KMCC will be showing the pro-breast-feeding movie “Babies” at noon, 2:30 p.m., 4:45 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Monday to Thursday. To view the movie trailer, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBCNgnaFVI8&feature=fvw.
The WIC Overseas Program is available to eligible participants living overseas, including civilian employees, Department of Defense contractors and family members.
(Courtesy of WIC Overseas)
