Breastfeeding/Baby Friendly Hospitals
Breastfeeding is the most natural way for a mother to feed her infant.
Research shows that obesity is 22% lower among breastfed children and the rates are even lower if the child is exclusively breastfed. Studies found that for each month of exclusive breastfeeding (up to 9 months) the odds of being overweight deceased by 6%. Breast milk has disease fighting antibodies that lower the infant’s risk illness and chronic diseases, such as asthma and diabetes in children. And mothers who breastfed have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers and osteoporosis.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend infants be fed nothing but breast milk for the first 6 months of life. AAP also recommends infants be breastfed from 6-12 months of age in addition to learning to eat solid foods.
Breastfeeding statistics in Illinois
- Despite breastfeeding as a proven strategy to fight obesity, rates of breastfeeding initiation, duration and exclusivity in Illinois are lower than the national average.
- In 2008, approximately 40,000 babies born in Illinois were never breastfed. Black women and low income women are less likely to breastfeed their infants. Large disparities exist among diverse racial/ethnic and income groups in the state.
- Hospital practices have a significant impact on breastfeeding duration. For example, 84% of hospitals in Illinois provide a formula gift back, a practice that discourages breastfeeding.
- Private and public insurance providers are limited in supporting breastfeeding services such as reimbursement for breast pumps, lactation consultants and other breastfeeding support services. Such support is important for women who may have challenges initiating or continuing breastfeeding, especially after they leave the hospital and return to the workforce.
Baby Friendly Hospitals in suburban Cook County
CCDPH encourages all the Hospitals in suburban Cook County to become breastfeeding friendly environments by implementing the 10 steps for Successful Breastfeeding in hospitals. Baby-Friendly Hospitals (BFH) will give mothers the information, confidence, and skills needed to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies or feeding formula safely. This supports the global Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) program sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The Model Communities grant program has funded two community organizations that encourage a breastfeeding friendly environment. The Little Company of Mary Hospital has vowed to increase breastfeeding rates in their hospital by implementing the Baby Friendly Steps, recognized worldwide as one of the best ways to encourage breastfeeding. Northwest community Hospital Foundation has taken on the responsibility to increase breastfeeding rates in their hospital by encourage mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months for optimal health benefits. Staff will support exclusive breastfeeding by working with mothers to get baby to feed within one hour of delivery.
Resources for healthcare providers: