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NYC Health Department Encourages Mothers to Breastfeed

As a part of the Take Care New York health promotion program, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is encouraging new and expectant mothers to breast feed their babies. 

Staff Report

August 10, 2004

As a part of the Take Care New York health promotion program, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is encouraging new and expectant mothers to breast feed their babies.  The Department is hoping that 75% of women in New York will breastfeed their newborns and that 50% will continue to do so for at least six months, the national goal set by the Department of Health and Human Services in 2000.

In 1998, when the last survey of breastfeeding behavior was conducted nationally, less than one third of mothers were breastfeeding their children until six months.  According to surveys, Black mothers breast feed their children at far lower rates than Hispanic and White mothers. 

In a statement, DOHMH's Deputy Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett commented on the health benefits of breastfeeding, "Breast-feeding boosts the infant's immune system, reduces asthma and ear infections, and makes it less likely that children will become overweight or obese.  For mothers, breast-feeding reduces the risk of ovarian cancer and certain forms of breast cancer. It also helps women return to their pre-pregnant weight more quickly, helps them build bone strength and protects against osteoporosis later on in life. Breast milk is nutritionally perfect for the baby, and is also more economical than purchasing formula."

The Health Department released the following tips on breastfeeding for mothers:

Over the First Few Days:

• Start breast-feeding right away - in the first hour after birth if possible.
• In the time it usually takes to produce milk (three to five days after birth), the mother can still nurse because her body produces small amounts of a substance called colostrum, which gives the baby essential nutrients.
• Breast-feed often. It fosters the bonding process between mother and baby, and builds up the mother's milk supply.
• Drinking from a bottle too soon can make it harder for a baby to learn to breast-feed. Breastfeeding moms should inform hospital staff not to give a bottle unless it is medically necessary.

Over the next few weeks:

• Let the baby nurse whenever he/she wants, probably every two to three hours - from 8 to 12 times in a day. Frequent nursing gets milk flowing and will help the baby grow.
• By four to five weeks, the baby should have a more regular feeding pattern.
• Avoid using a bottle for the first four to six weeks until a good breast-feeding routine has been established.

References

HEALTH DEPARTMENT REMINDS NEW MOTHERS ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING THEIR BABY. New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (8/2/04)

“Breastfeeding: Healthy People 2010 Objectives for the Nation,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.  (5/29/01)