Investing in Your Baby's Future

Years ago when fewer moms worked outside the home, breast-feeding was the norm. But with more women in the workplace and the widespread acceptance of formula- feeding, breast-feeding fell behind in popularity within our culture during the 60s and 70s.

Although formula-feeding is still an acceptable choice for many moms and babies, breast-feeding is on the increase. Today, more employers are willing to support a breast-feeding mother following her return to work. More importantly, there is growing evidence that we cannot duplicate the "gold standard" of a mother's own milk, regardless of the effort and money that's been invested into producing quality milk substitutes.

The truth is breast-feeding provides a natural continuation of care from a mother to her baby after birth. And according to the World Alliance for Breast-feeding Action and the International Lactation Consultant Association, breast-feeding is simply a better investment than formula-feeding.

Why? Recognized by pediatricians as the perfect food, breast milk provides all a baby needs for nourishment during the first four to six months of life. For maximum health benefits, the American Academy of Pediatrics recently strengthened its recommendations and now advises continuation of breast-feeding throughout the first year of life. Research shows that breast-feeding:

• enhances the growth, development and well-being of infants by providing the best possible nutrition and protection against infection and allergies;

• may reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer for women;

• saves the costs of purchasing commercial formulas and eliminates the need for formula preparation;

• enhances development of strong emotional bonds between infants and their mothers and;

• helps mothers control their weight because their bodies are burning calories to make milk.

In support of this national goal and the needs of our community, "Covenant Health provides a variety of resources for educating and supporting the needs of mothers who choose to breast-feed," says Linda Chapman, Covenant's vice president for women's services.

For example, in June Covenant's Maternity Center of East Tennessee became the first birthing center in the state and one of only 14 facilities in the U.S. to be designated as a Baby-Friendly birth facility in recognition of its commitment to breast-feeding.

The designation is part of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to recognize hospitals and birthing centers worldwide that offer optimal levels of support and encouragement for breast-feeding mothers.

Area moms-to-be can learn how and what to expect when breast-feeding, and receive valuable information on breast-feeding equipment by attending educational courses offered by Covenant Health member organizations.

Also, women who've delivered at a Covenant facility can receive personal education and support provided by our breast-feeding experts and board-certified lactation consultants while in the hospital or at home. Breast-feeding equipment rentals are also available.

Chapman emphasizes, "As part of our commitment to improve the health of our community, we want to convey to mothers that the decision to breast-feed should be made in the context of health. Just as we make decisions to exercise, eat right and wear our seat belts, the decision to breast-feed is the healthiest choice,"

For more information and education about the breast-feeding support services of Covenant Health, call:

• Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center - 541-1962
• Parkwest Medical Center - 531-4298
• Fort Sanders Sevier Medical Center - 429-6170
• Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge - 481-1290
• Maternity Center of East Tennessee - 524-4422