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| SPRINGFIELD Baystate Medical Center and other hospitals around the world will once again observe World Breastfeeding Week, Aug. 1-7. This year's theme is "Highlighting the Importance of Protecting Breastfeeding in Communities," where Baystate is proud to be recognized as a "Baby-Friendly Hospital." "Hospitals, clinics, workplaces, childcare centers, and community businesses and organizations can all protect breastfeeding by establishing a breastfeeding-friendly environment," said Nancy Aberdale RN, coordinator of Lactation Services at Baystate Medical Center. "A breastfeeding-friendly atmosphere can be established through such things as providing places for women to breastfeed or express their milk if they desire privacy, encouraging mothers to breastfeed, and making appropriate referrals for assistance when needed," she added. Research has shown that breastfeeding is the optimal nutrition and the perfect, life-sustaining food for babies. Breastfeeding provides nutritional and health advantages that last far beyond infancy, and offers health benefits for mothers, as well. Nearly all women are able to breastfeed when they receive consistent and accurate information, and are supported by their healthcare team, family, and community in an environment that is breastfeeding-friendly. "Baystate Medical Center's Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultants are able to help families throughout the entire period that mother and baby are breastfeeding," said Aberdale. "Our lactation consultants have specialized knowledge of breastfeeding and child development. They can help mothers understand how to get off to a good start with breastfeeding, and work together to find solutions when questions arise. Lactation consultants can also provide information and reassurance, and help mothers feel confidant in reaching their breastfeeding goals," she added. Aberdale noted Baystate Health is committed to providing a "less stressed transition back to work for its breastfeeding mothers." "In Lactation Services, we are committed to helping our employees who are breastfeeding to prepare to return to work, explaining breast pumping strategies, and working with their manager to find an appropriate location for them to pump," Aberdale said. "When a mother makes a choice to breastfeed, she is making a very important decision that has long term effects on her baby's health, as well as her own," she added. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life and that breastfeeding continue with complementary food for at least a full year. Baystate Medical Center's Breastfeeding Consultation Services sponsor many programs throughout the year for new mothers. These include seminars such as "Breastfeeding and Returning to Work," and groups such as the Breastfeeding Support Group for new mothers. In celebration of this year's World Breastfeeding Week, Baystate Health will offer a free "Breastfeeding is Best for Baby, Mom, and Family!" seminar on Wednesday, August 2, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Baystate Medical Center's Chestnut Building, on 759 Chestnut Street in Springfield. For more information on the event, call The Professionals at 413-794-2255 or outside the Springfield calling area at 1-800-377-HEALTH. |