PAH recognizes National Breastfeeding Month

The Punxsutawney Area Hospital recognizes August as National Breastfeeding Month. The Punxsutawney Area Hospital provides breastfeeding support services with a team of trained professional that are able to assist mothers on their breastfeeding journey. National Breastfeeding Month is celebrated in August every year and is dedicated to raising awareness of the importance and benefits of chest/breastfeeding for both infants and parents. The national theme for this years celebration is ‘This is Our Why’. At PAH, the lactation counselors assist families with resources, information, and encouraging them to make informed decisions and overcome barriers they may experience.  
According to the Center for Disease Control, Breastfeeding has health benefits for both babies and mothers. Breast milk provides a baby with ideal nutrition and supports growth and development. Breastfeeding can also help protect babies and mom against certain illnesses and diseases and is the best source of nutrition for most babies.
As the baby grows, the mother’s breast milk will change to meet the baby’s nutritional needs. Breastfeeding can help protect babies against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases.
According to the CDC, ‘Breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).’ Breastfed babies are also less likely to have ear infections and stomach bugs. Breast milk shares antibodies from the mother with her baby.
These antibodies help babies develop a strong immune system and protect them from illnesses. The CDC also highlights that Breastfeeding can reduce the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

 The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months, and then continuing breastfeeding while introducing complementary foods until a child is 12 months old or older. For more information about breastfeeding including the benefits, contact the lactation counselors at PAH at 814-938-1895.