MyChart Login
Data and research regarding the benefits of breastfeeding are numerous and overwhelming. Health officials and organizations have put together guidelines to support and encourage breastfeeding. Yet, in spite of all of the great health perks, breastfeeding rates in California and nationally are less than expected.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the percentage of babies breastfed for the first 6 months is 27.3% in California and 24.9% nationally. Based on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, the Healthy People 2030 Goals for Breastfeeding is an increase to 42.4% for the proportion of infants who exclusively breastfeed in the United States in the first 6 months and to continue breastfeeding until they are 1 year old. The end goal is for 54.1% of babies to continue breastfeeding until 12 months old.
The CDC and the US Department of Agriculture endorse breastfeeding. They agree that breastfed babies have a lower risk of ear infections, digestion problems, asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) to name a few. Through breast milk, mothers also pass on immunity for diseases they’ve been vaccinated against. Breastfeeding parents get benefits too. The CDC reports that they can look forward to reducing the risk of developing osteoporosis and developing breast or uterine cancer.
Plus, producing oxytocin, one of the key hormones involved in breastfeeding, helps contract the uterus, bringing it back to its pre-pregnancy size after birth. This can reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. Also, oxytocin can help with family bonding and improve sleep patterns for the whole family! Added bonus, lactating individuals burn extra calories when making milk. This can lead to increased weight loss and help with the return to pre-pregnancy weight. So, why are breastfeeding rates so low, you may ask? Because producing breast milk and breastfeeding or pumping is hard work!
Initially, breastfeeding can be uncomfortable, but it should not be painful (a lactation consultant can help with this). Breastfeeding also takes time. Newborn babies have tiny tummies that fill up quickly. In the first few weeks of life, it is normal for babies to breastfeed every couple of hours (day and night).
Breastfeeding families need all of the support they can get. Every year August is World Breastfeeding Month. This year the theme for World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7) was “Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all.” This support needs to happen in regard to policies and attitudes that value breastfeeding and families. So what can we do?
One important state initiative is for all hospitals in the state of California to adopt policies that are baby-friendly by 2025. These policies are meant to support the health of infants and families. Locally in Mendocino County, we are working at improving support for breastfeeding with free breastfeeding classes, and access to early breastfeeding help with a lactation consultant. By respecting autonomy and the right to breastfeed anytime, anywhere, and supporting breastfeeding-friendly healthcare systems we can all do our part to improve breastfeeding in our community. This way we can all receive the benefits!
Amita Graham, MSN, MPH, CNM, WHNP, RN, IBCLC, is a certified nurse midwife at MCHC Health Centers—a local, non-profit, federally qualified health center offering medical, dental, and behavioral health care to people in Lake and Mendocino Counties.