Birth Circle Quick Facts:

Benefits of Breastfeeding

We've all heard that breastfeeding is the best option for most new moms. Here are some quick facts that you can have ready whenever anyone asks you "Why?":

1. Better for Baby
Breastfed babies are at lower risk for ear infections, vomiting, diarrhea, pneumonia, asthma, diabetes, urinary-tract infections, food allergies and eczema. It can also help prevent obesity later in life.

2. Better for Mom
Breastfeeding benefits Mom by helping her body to return to normal after childbirth. Nursing burns about 500 calories a day, which helps to take off extra pregnancy pounds. The hormone Oxytocin that is released during nursing helps the uterus to return to its normal size and helps to reduce postpartum bleeding.

3. Bonding
The act of nursing is important in the early bonding between mom and baby. Frequent skin-to-skin contact comforts both baby and mom, and close eye-contact during nursing can be a great way to foster trust and communication.

4. Better for the Earth
No packaging means no trash!

5. Convenient and Free!
Breast milk is always the right temperature for baby and requires no mixing or preparation. And you can’t beat the price!

Source: “Breastfeeding” Parenting Magazine. Mar. 5 2008.
http://www.parenting.com/article/Baby/Care/Breastfeeding

Doulas get some attention at the Be Well! Health Fair

On Saturday, May 3rd, the Be Well! Health Fair was hosted by St. Andrew's Lutheran Church in Shadyside. Elise Francis and new doula Kristy Fornwald were there to represent The Birth Circle at this event which highlighted alternative health care options to area residents. While there was not a huge turnout (this might have had something to do with the dreary weather), our presence did not go unnoticed. Justin Hopper from The Sprout Fund wrote this great blog entry about his visit to the fair: Doula Unto Others.

Good news about breastfeeding

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recently published a report that shows some encouraging news about breastfeeding rates in the U.S. The report shows that 3 out of 4 American women initiate breastfeeding after giving birth. The promotion of breastfeeding is of one of our primary objectives at The Birth Circle, so this is wonderful news to hear.

The CDC does report, however, that groups with the lowest breastfeeding rates continue to be single moms, low-income women, and those with a high school education or less. This is something to remember as we reach out to women in our community.

Read about the report from CNN:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/family/04/30/breastfeeding.ap/index.html