“World Breastfeeding Week” is Aug. 1-8 and The BirthPlace at UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica is acknowledging this occasion by increasing breastfeeding awareness.
BirthPlace staff members will be intermittently stationed in the hospital lobby and cafeteria with information and fun activities.
The educational outreach is part of the hospital’s ongoing initiative to become certified as a “Baby-Friendly Hospital,” a global project launched in 1991 by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to implement practices that promote, protect and support breastfeeding.
Breast milk contains antibodies that help protect infants from germs and illness. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Women’s Health, breastfeeding is linked to a lower risk of various health problems for babies, including:
· Ear infections
· Stomach viruses
· Respiratory infections
· Asthma
· Obesity
· Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
· Childhood leukemia
· Gastrointestinal disorders
UCLA’s BirthPlace strives to educate and support all moms to give them the knowledge and confidence they need to exclusively breastfeed their infants. Labor and Delivery nurses help new moms initiate breastfeeding within one hour of their child’s birth.
Postpartum nurses and lactation specialists provide ongoing breastfeeding instruction and support throughout the remainder of their hospital stays.
The BirthPlace also sponsors a weekly “New Moms Support Group” offering ongoing support, fellowship and encouragement.
For more information about The BirthPlace and its breastfeeding classes and services, email Tahjanae Northcuttor call 424.259.8250.
