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Healthy babies: The goal
Posted: Friday, Jul 16, 2004 - 03:02:57 pm EST
By Jami Maday - Register Staff Writer
The Wabash County Health Department knows there is more to keeping a baby healthy than providing warm clothes and keeping the pediatrician on the speed dial.
During World Breastfeeding Week (Aug. 1-7), WCHD plans to further encourage new and expecting mothers to engage in breastfeeding their babies. This includes submitting medical facts and benefits on breastfeeding in the Daily Republican Register throughout the week, as well as distributing magnets during Ag Days that include a guide on how to properly store breastmilk.
WCHD will also focus on informing local residents about the various programs and services provided by staff members for mothers who are having trouble breastfeeding, or would like to obtain more information on breastfeeding, said Pam Wonnell, breastfeeding coordinator for the department.
Wonnell, along with WCHD employees Rita Miller and Elizabeth Davis, is also a registered nurse and certified lactation counselor (CLC).
The three CLCs of the department have always offered free literature and one-on-one discussions with mothers who need help in performing the process or understanding its benefits. The department also provides breastfeeding classes twice a month (scheduling varies) for mothers who are on the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program.
WIC is an income-based supplemental nutrition program that provides federal support and education to mothers and pregnant women. The department also provides breast pumps to women on the WIC program.
Wonnell, who has instructed the bi-monthly classes for the past nine years, said that breastfeeding has decreased over time mainly due to the upswing in career women who have trouble scheduling time to breastfeed, and the increase in advertising of baby formulas. No matter what brand or type of formula is purchased, breastmilk is truly the best substance for growing babies, Wonnell stressed.
"It (breastfeeding) is the best start for the baby. It's part of the child-bearing cycle," said Wonnell. "If a woman has a lot of support and a lot of confidence in herself, then she will succeed in breastfeeding.
"Even a mother who smokes should still breastfeed," Wonnell added.
Although a lot of career women who rely on baby-sitters still provide their breastmilk for their babies, they could still lose that special, emotional bond that comes with natural breastfeeding, said Wonnell. Babies who aren't breastfed naturally also lose a part of emotional stimulation.
Miller, who breastfed her 10 and 6-year-old daughters when they were born, said she could not imagine using any other type of formula during the first six months of a child's life. The process helps the mother lose weight and save money on formula. It also saves money on healthcare costs because breastmilk is medically proven to decrease the risk of certain illnesses a baby could obtain, such as ear infections and childhood diabetes.
She added that she and the other two CLCs constantly encourage mothers, and fathers, to come to the department for literature on breastfeeding or to speak privately with a CLC about any questions or dilemmas.
"We're willing to give anybody information," said Miller, who is expecting a child in October.
Davis added that women who have used only formula for their child days after giving birth can still learn the process of breastfeeding and continue doing it successfully.
Karabeth Edmondson, 25, of Mt. Carmel was able to receive such help from the department after giving birth to her daughter, Kyla, in January 2003. Edmonson, who is on the WIC program, attended the breastfeeding course at the department and received a home visit from Wonnell after she had continuous trouble getting her baby to breastfeed.
"I almost gave up, but Pam (Wonnell) taught me to relax and it all just clicked that same day," said Edmonson, who is expecting a boy in November. "It's a lot more convenient than formula, and my daughter has been healthy and we've bonded on a certain level."
WCHD, which serves residents in Wabash and Edwards counties, is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Information on breastfeeding is free. Expectant mothers can apply for the WIC program from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every other Wednesday (next opening is on July 28). Walk-ins are available on Tuesdays for mothers who already have children and need to apply for the WIC program.
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