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STEUBENVILLE -- Women who opt to breastfeed their child can often have questions about the process. They also may need support from someone whom they can talk to.
That is why every year, the month of August is recognized as National Breastfeeding Awareness Month.
Saturday marked the end of World Breastfeeding Week, a time when people can learn the advantages of breastfeeding over bottle feeding. These advantages are not only for the mothers, but for the child, as well as the economy.
Officials with Trinity Health System spoke about the advantages of breastfeeding, including Registered Nurse II Judy Davis, who works in the birthing center. Davis is an international, board-certified, lactation consultant -- one of only 32,000 in the world.
She shared the importance in educating parents about the common challenges and misconceptions which surround breastfeeding and ways in which to overcome them.
Breastfeeding is the "gold standard," she explained, saying there are numerous surprising advantages of which people are not aware.
Breastfeeding decreases a mother's chance of contracting cancer. It decreases her need of taking insulin.
Not only does it provide her with feel-good hormones, but it contributes to weight loss and decreases blood pressure.
There are also numerous advantages for the baby, Davis continued.
Some of the most important factors include a reduced chance a baby will get colic, she said. It decreases their chance at getting an ear infection and lessens the possibility of having childhood obesity -- one of the Centers for Disease Control's major problems within the United States.
Other advantages for the baby involve being able to bond more with the mother, decreasing any gastrointestinal disturbances, a decrease in the possibility of obtaining a respiratory illness and being an overall best choice in the end, Davis said.
Socio-economically, one benefit of breastfeeding is centered around employees. Those who work tend to take less time off, as their children are healthier from having breastfed, Davis explained. Children have fewer illnesses and do not have to miss as much school.
Aside from the advantages of breastfeeding, some women want to know how the human milk should be stored.
Davis commented there is different literature which tells us different ways to store breastmilk. But at Trinity, there is a rule of five they go by. If the breastmilk is at room temperature, the milk is good for a period of five hours. If the milk is placed in a refrigerator, it is good for five days. In a freezer, milk is acceptable to use for five months and in a deep freezer, one year.
These types of storage bags can be purchased in stores or online. Davis said for the women who pump their own milk and keep it stored in a freezer, the bottom line is that the baby is still receiving breast milk. This is another option for those who prefer to use a bottle when feeding their child.
When asked if mothers can complement feedings with formula, Davis responded, yes, you can supplement. Although it is not necessary because the body will supply and provide enough for the baby.
"If your pediatrician says to supplement, I can't go agaist what they tell you to do," she stated. "But, I believe as long as the baby is gaining weight and their stooling is the way it should be, then I say it isn't necessary."
There are certain resources available locally for breastfeeding support, Davis said. She stated those who have questions can contact her or call the Jefferson County WIC office, as they have lactation counselors on hand to help those needing support or advice.
"Be educated in your choice and in your decision as to whether to breast or bottle feed your baby," Davis concluded. "Although medical science is good, nature certainly is the best way to go."