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The Lorain County General Health District Encourages Mothers to Breastfeed
12/11/08 -- The Lorain County General Health District Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program encourages new moms to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is the gold standard of infant nutrition. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends infants be exclusively breastfed for six months and that breastfeeding continue until the infant is at least one year old.

Benefits of exclusive breastfeeding include:

  • Exclusive breastfeeding is safe:
    Breast milk provides protection against common illnesses, such as respiratory illnesses (colds, flu, and pneumonia), intestinal illnesses (vomiting and diarrhea) and ear infection.

  • Exclusive breastfeeding is sound:
    Nutrients found in human milk are perfect for human infants. Breast milk is continually changing to meet the needs of the growing child.

  • Exclusive breastfeeding is sustainable:
    Breastfeeding provides an infant with a source of food, as breast milk is always available. It also helps the environment, since bottles, formula, and formula cans are not necessary.

The Health District’s public health clinics, including all WIC clinics, provide information to help the mother-to-be and their families make informed choices about infant feeding. Once the decision to breastfeed has been made, the clinics provide a supportive environment to encourage the continuation of breastfeeding.

For more information about breastfeeding, call the Lorain County General Health District WIC program at 440-323-7320 or 233-5787.