As Certified Breastfeeding Counselors (CBC), we know that breastfeeding is a public health issue. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has recently launched a new initiative, Philly Loves Families. Part of the program is designed to help bridge the gap in lactation support and education.
When you first open their new website, you quickly see, “Breastfeeding helps keep you and your baby healthy.” They are straight to the point with evidenced-based information.
We know that breastfeeding is healthy for both parent and baby. Public health officials know how important breastfeeding rates are. However, we also know that many families lack the resources and support needed to initiate and maintain lactation.
With the Philly Loves Families initiative, Philadelphia families will have access to more support.
What is Philly Loves Families?
Philly Loves Families is part of the Division of Maternal, Child, and Family Health. They are under the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.
Their mission is, “to empower all Philadelphia Mothers, children, and families to create and live healthy lives.”
This program provides many resources and information about many topics including, but not limited, to:
- Pregnancy
- Infancy
- Toddlerhood
- Information for providers
- Doula support
- Breastfeeding and chestfeeding support and education
- Safe sleep information, guidelines, and resources
- Early literacy
- Postpartum depression
- Information about the formula shortage
- And additional resources
While this program is a local program, it is a wonderful guide for other public health organizations. As a CBC, it is important to learn about programs in your area.
Why is Breastfeeding a Public Health Concern?
As a CBC, you are likely to understand the importance of breastfeeding on a population level. However, if you are still training, you might not understand the population level importance of breastfeeding rates.
The Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics published Breastfeeding as a public health responsibility: a review of the evidence in 2017. In short, the research shows that breastfeeding is in fact a public health responsibility, stating:
“Many barriers to breastfeeding exist at the societal rather than individual level. These influences are typically outside mothers’ control. Five core themes were identified; the need for investment in (i) health services; (ii) population level health promotion; (iii) supporting maternal legal rights; (iv) protection of maternal wellbeing; and (v) reducing the reach of the breast milk substitute industry.”
As you can see, there are many factors at the public health level which impact breastfeeding. A high percentage of women initiate breastfeeding but by three months, just 46.9% of US babies are exclusively breastfeeding.
The review concluded:
“Although individual support is important, breastfeeding must be considered a public health issue that requires investment at a societal level. Focusing solely on solving individual issues will not lead to the cultural changes needed to normalise breastfeeding.”
Why Is Breastfeeding Important?
Breastfeeding is the physiological norm for both birther and baby following a pregnancy. Deviating from physiological norms carries risk. Certainly, there are times we need to deviate, and we have safe options and ways to manage risks. However, as it is our biological norm, it provides significant benefits for both birther and baby.
Benefits of breastfeeding for the birthing person include:
- Increasing levels of prolactin and oxytocin which aid in relaxation, bonding, and managing the stress hormones associated with caring for a new baby.
- Reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhage and aid in the uterus returning to its normal size.
- Economic advantage of not needing to purchase formula
- Reduced risk of certain cancers
- Lower risk of certain cardiovascular diseases
- Associated with improved maternal health outcomes (when support and education are available)
Benefits of breastfeeding for the baby include:
- Being a live substance providing colostrum and later mature milk – adjusting to meet the specific needs of the baby
- Breast milk is easier to digest compared to formula
- Reduced risk of childhood asthma and allergies
- Breastfeeding reduces the risk of SIDS
- Breast milk provides immune system support via antibodies from the mother
- Provides protection and lowers the risk of NEC, infections, etc., in premature infants
- Reduced frequency and severity of ear infections, common childhood respiratory illnesses, viruses, and more
While every birther and baby are unique, when we look at population level statistics, we see improved outcomes. While some breastfed babies will go on to develop asthma, allergies, etc., we see less of it among breastfed infants. For example, if asthma runs in one’s family, breastfeeding provides the opportunity to reduce the child’s risk of developing it. Even if they do go onto develop it, their reduced risk of infections might reduce the severity and frequency of complications from asthma.
In the same way, there are formula fed infants who rarely get sick. No two babies and no two birthers are alike. However, at a population level we see clear benefits to breastfeeding and increased risks with formula feeding.
This makes breastfeeding a public health issue. For that reason, Philly Loves Families provides free breastfeeding and chestfeeding support. Their program includes the free Pacify app which provides 24/7 access to breastfeeding support. Their website is chock full of evidenced-based information about breastfeeding, latching, and more.
Not already a certified breastfeeding counselor? Be sure to register today! You can be part of the public health initiatives to improve our breastfeeding rates which in turn improve the health and wellness of birthers and babies.