By Mary Malloy
: Going for the Gold. Now in itÕs 17th year, this event is celebrated by more than 120 countries worldwide.
South Nassau Communities Hospital has been observing World Breastfeeding week for at least ten years. Actually, it's officially the recognition of the signing of the Innocenti Declaration on the Protection, Promotion and Support of Breastfeeding, said Misako Miller, coordinator of South NassauÕs Lactation Resource Center and Parent Child Education Department. The declaration states, in part, that ÒBreastfeeding is a unique process that provides ideal nutrition for infants and contributes to their healthy growth and development; reduces incidence and severity of infectious diseases, thereby lowering infant morbidity and mortality; contributes to womenÕs health by reducing the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, and by increasing the spacing between pregnancies; provides social and economic benefits to the family and the nation; and provides most women with a sense of satisfaction when successfully carried out.Ó
ÒWe observe World Breastfeeding Week to mainly raise awareness of the benefits of breast milk and to support mothers,Ó said Miller. ÒWe know that moms need to be supported in every aspect of raising a child. We need to have not just individuals helping moms, but the government, also, through legislation. One of the things weÕre doing here at the hospital is trying to get the Breastfeeding Bill of Rights taken out of the committee and into the senate.Ó
This bill was introduced in 2006 by New York State Senator Liz Krueger, drawing upon Òbaby-friendlyÓ recommendations from the World Health Organization, Best Hospital Practices and the New York State Rules and Regulations.
ÒThere have been numerous studies,Ó said Miller, Òand there is scientific evidence, that there is a reduction of breast cancer rates in post menopausal women who breastfed their babies.Ó Having to do with the lower estrogen levels in pregnant and nursing women, she said, the longer you breastfeed, and more frequently, the less the incidence of breast cancer. ÒThey are thinking that is may also offer premenopausal women some protection,Ó she said. ÒWomen who were breastfed themselves also benefit.Ó
Barbara Sobey, a lactation consultant at the hospital, has also been running the local Lynbrook/East Rockaway breastfeeding support group of La Leche League International since 1971. ÒWe encourage all groups to have a fundraiser this week. Our local Nassau County chapter held a picnic in Eisenhower Park, and raised over $800, which was divided between the local groups and LLL International.
ÒI just feel that women need strong support,Ó said Sobey. ÒEven though we encourage women to breastfeed, there are still misconceptions and misinformation out there about the art of breastfeeding. Whether it be a local support group, a hospital, a friend, sister or mother, they can seek out women who have had positive experiences.Ó
Comments about this story? MMalloy@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 202.
Photos by Mary Malloy/Herald
