WTEN: August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month

WTEN/News10 interviewed Barb Donnelly, RN, IBCLC, lactation consultant at St. Peter’s Hospital for its story on Breastfeeding Awareness Month.

Donnelly talked about the many benefits of breastfeeding as well as the importance of support a woman throughout her breastfeeding journey.

From the story:

Experts recommend exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months, and continuing longer if possible. It’s not just about keeping baby fed. “They’re being regularly inoculated and protected against common illnesses not so common illnesses, not the least of which is COVID-19,” said Barb Donnelly, nurse and lactation consultant at St. Peter’s Hospital.

Donnelly says breastmilk is abundant in nutritional components like antibodies, giving babies stronger immune systems. “Protecting against gastrointestinal disease, ear infection, and then in the long term, asthma, allergies, obesity,” she said. “It’s kind of a win-win across the lifespan of babies who are breastfed.”

Nursing also benefits mom. It’s economical, burns calories, and is emotionally healthy. “Skin-to-skin contact actually releases oxytocin,” Donnelly says, “which is a really great feel-good, love, bonding hormone.”

Click here to watch WTEN’s full report.