FORT BENNING, Ga., (Aug.5, 2015) -- In observance of World Breastfeeding Week, Benning Martin Army Community Hospital will celebrate by hosting a series of events Aug. 3-7 to promote awareness and support local breastfeeding mothers.
On Aug. 3 at 8 a.m., a declaration of intent and ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on the fifth-floor Department of Women's Health and Newborn Care at the office of Kinzie Lee, BMACH's new International Board Certified Lactation consultant.
Two events will take place Aug. 4; a coffee and cookies question and answer session with Lee in the Atrium at 10 a.m., followed by the Lactation Club meeting at 11 a.m.
On Aug. 5 at noon in the Atrium, attendees can participate in a fun, informational grab-bag session. The week will culminate with a breastfeeding resource fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 7.
Breastfeeding can be challenging, especially for working moms and active-duty mothers; however, it is the most effective preventive health measure that mothers can choose for themselves and their newborn child, Lee said.
"It is a choice all parents must make. Unfortunately, when mothers choose not to breastfeed, they are putting their child and themselves at an increased risk of many health problems," she said. "Children who do not receive breast milk are at an increased risk for illnesses such as ear infections and diarrhea as well as chronic diseases including diabetes, asthma, allergies and obesity."
Research studies have also established a connection between not breastfeeding and increased rates of postpartum depression and stress related hormones in mothers, Lee said. In contrast, women that breastfeed have been shown to get more sleep, cope more efficiently with stress and many other health benefits.
To show its commitment to improve care and support provided to breastfeeding mothers, BMACH has applied to participate in the Georgia 5 Star Program. Over time, the hospital will implement the 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding in its policies and procedures as outlined by Baby-Friendly USA.
The Georgia Department of Public Health awards a star for each step successfully implemented, with a goal of recognizing hospitals that give mothers consistent education, skills, confidence and information needed to successfully breastfeed their children. Lee said the Georgia 5 Star Program will help enable breastfeeding success for BMACH Families.
"Ultimately, breastfeeding is not strictly about nutrition and health. It is closely connected to the mother's sense of being a woman, self-confidence and the relationship between her and her child," Lee said.
"Helping these women to achieve their breastfeeding goals is helping them to believe in their own capabilities as a parent. It strengthens them and strengthens their Families."
For more information about World Breastfeeding Week events at Martin Army, visit the BMACH Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Martin-Army-Community-Hospital/106090889433774.
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