Ohio Dept. of Health urges support for breastfeeding mothers

        To help raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted have signed a proclamation naming August Ohio Breastfeeding Awareness Month.
        For this year’s observance, Ohio is adopting the theme “Protect Breastfeeding: A Shared Responsibility.” This theme focuses on how breastfeeding contributes to the survival, health and well-being of all, and the work to protect breastfeeding worldwide.
        Breastfeeding has many known health benefits for mother and baby and is widely accepted as an effective strategy to promote positive health outcomes for both mothers and their babies.
        Research suggests that breastfeeding is a key factor in reducing risk of disease for both mothers and infants, including respiratory illness, ear infections, allergies, and some cancers. A woman’s early experience with breastfeeding can affect whether and how long she continues to breastfeed, and providing support at every level can help reduce barriers to breastfeeding.
        “As a physician and a public health official, I know that breastfeeding benefits both mother and baby,” said Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, who was recently named director of the Ohio Department of Health. “The Ohio Department Health is committed to improving the health and well-being of mothers and infants.  Advancing the health of Ohioans begins with providing the best start for babies and breastfeeding is one very important way to support a healthy start.”
        Breastfeeding is a personal choice, but communities play a vital role in informing and supporting a mother’s decision to breastfeed her baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and continued breastfeeding with the addition of appropriate solid food for the first year and beyond. The Ohio Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program helps provide breastfeeding support for Ohio families and health professionals across the state.
        One of the most important ways businesses and communities can support this work is to help mothers feel comfortable nursing in public. Hungry babies need to eat, and Ohio law (Section 3781.55 of the Ohio Revised Code) allows breastfeeding in public. Businesses can show their support by placing a “Breastfed Babies Welcome Here” or universal sign for breastfeeding in their windows and educate their staff about the acceptance of breastfeeding in their establishments.
        They can also encourage their employees and provide a private space (other than a bathroom) to pump. This will help increase employee retention and reduce medical costs.
        For more information about breastfeeding, Ohioans can call Ohio Statewide Breastfeeding Hotline at 1-888-588-3423 or contact a local WIC (Women, Infants and Children) clinic.