Newark-Wayne Community Hospital reports breastfeeding increase (original) (raw)

Lactation Consultants for mothers delivering at Newark-Wayne Community Hospital’s Birthing Center include, left to right, Julia Laco, Jessica Frazo, Ashley Walters, Rebecca Surgoine, Kristin Brandt, Sharise Cummings, Mary Clyde. Not pictured are Sara Braren and Kathleen Hausman. SUBMITTED

Rochester Regional Health System Birthing and Women’s Care Center announced that its patients have increased exclusive breastfeeding rates from 48 percent three years ago to the current average of 85 percent in 2014.

The exclusive breastfeeding rates refer to instances when no other supplemental food is given.

The center recommends new mothers breastfeed their infants, citing studies that show that breastfeeding is crucial in providing both a healthier start and contributing to lifelong health, as well as studies that demonstrate that not breastfeeding increases serious health risks for both mothers and babies.

Breastfeeding until at least age six months is considered the best health option for newborn infants and their mothers; not breastfeeding increases the risks for infections, diarrhea, SIDS, obesity, diabetes, asthma and childhood leukemia and increases the mother’s risk of cardiovascular disease, breast and ovarian cancers and diabetes.

The hospital’s birthing center offers a team of nine lactation specialists who are available to assist breastfeeding mothers.

For more information, visit rochestergeneral.org/about-us/newark-wayne-community-hospital.