Breastfeeding can have many benefits for babies like helping strengthen their immune system, but getting comfortable with breastfeeding can take practice and persistence for new moms and their newborns. To help educate patients, the community and employees about breastfeeding best practices, Montefiore Health System will launch a week-long program in recognition of World Breastfeeding Week 2015, which will begin on Monday, August 3. 

“At Montefiore, we encourage all of our new mothers to try to breastfeed their babies so they may enjoy the proven, long-term health benefits throughout their lives,” said Talitha Bruney, M.D., Ob/Gyn at Montefiore, assistant professor of obstetrics & gynecology and women’s health at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and co-chair of the Montefiore Breastfeeding Committee. “We have equipped our staff with information and resources to help support new mothers who would like to breastfeed, but may have questions about doing so.”

Montefiore’s patient outreach efforts will educate women about breastfeeding prior to delivery, to help inform how breastfeeding can be an important element in the healthy development of babies, and to provide breastfeeding best practices. Montefiore providers will explain methods for holding the baby, how to change positions while feeding and tips moms can use to help navigate common breastfeeding problems like pain. 

“Breastfeeding can play an important role in the bonding of a mother and child, and in addition to helping protect babies from infections and allergic skin disorders, there are significant benefits for mothers as well,” said Dr. Bruney. These potential perks can include: 

• Lowering chances of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease
• Faster recovery from childbirth – as the hormone oxytocin, released during breastfeeding, can return the uterus to its regular size more quickly
• Calming feelings created from release of prolactin, a hormone that helps produce milk 

Since 2012, Montefiore has been recognized by “Latch On NYC,” a citywide initiative created by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to support mothers who breastfeed their infants. 

For more information, please call 718-904-4105.