August is National Breastfeeding Month, and the Berrien County Health Department is spreading the message to new mothers about the benefits of breastfeeding their babies.
Department breastfeeding peer counselor Tami LeVallee tells us breast milk is simply better for the baby’s health.
“There are a lot of benefits for moms and babies, really,” LeVallee said. “Mom’s milk can protect the baby against things like SIDS, diabetes, certain types of cancers, high cholesterol, and even allergies.
LeVallee says breastfeeding is also better for the baby’s emotional development as breast milk contains hormones that promote calmness. She notes there are programs that seek to help mothers overcome barriers to breastfeeding.
“There’s things in WIC where breastfeeding moms can get an increased food package on their benefits to help with the nutrition that their body needs for breastfeeding.”
LeVallee says the health department is also working to set up a breastfeeding support group, information about which will be released soon.
The department’s annual Breastfeeding on the Bluff event was last weekend at Lake Bluff Park in St. Joseph, and LeVallee says about 20 families came out in a spirit of unity. They received giftbags and a raffle was held. She says the event was a beautiful sight.
Any mothers in search of breastfeeding support can contact the Berrien County Health Department at 269-363-1168.
