Sustaining Breastfeeding Together

World Breastfeeding Week: August 1-7, 2017

This year’s theme is Sustaining Breastfeeding Together, focusing on combined work among all people to increase breastfeeding. Everyone has an important part to support breastfeeding, from mothers and families to health care organizations and national leadership. Citrus County has many programs and services that support this year’s goal. Some of the programs that the Florida Department of Health in Citrus County offer are: WIC, Healthy Start, Baby Box program and a lactation consultant to help families with breastfeeding.

The Florida Department of Health started the Florida Healthy Babies Initiative, a statewide mission to improve the health of babies and lower infant death rates. The Florida state average for mothers who breastfeed immediately after birth is 85.2 percent, while Citrus County is at 74.4 percent, behind national breastfeeding goals. The state average for infant deaths is 6.1 for every 1,000 live births, while Citrus County is at 8.2. Citrus County has linked low breastfeeding rates and unsafe sleep spaces for baby as reasons for falling below goals in infant health. The Florida Department of Health in Citrus County understands that to help decrease infant deaths we must look at the many ways to protect babies.

Why is breastfeeding so important? Breastmilk has countless health benefits for the mother and baby. When mothers don’t get the help they need with breastfeeding, they must use formula. Formula lacks antibodies and nutrients babies need for development.

Health risks increase financial burdens as well.

The U.S. Surgeon General issued an official Call to Action to support breastfeeding in 2011. In the document, it states the United States could lower medical costs and save $13 billion every year if families breastfed, using no formula, for the first 6 months of a baby’s life. This will also help lower infant illness and deaths across the country.

In FLORIDA, the Law states “A mother may breastfeed her baby in any location, public or private, where the mother is otherwise authorized to be” (FL Statute 383.015).

Contact Maret Wachira at 352-527-0068 for more information.

Breastfeeding protects against

• Diarrhea

• Ear and lung infections

• Allergies

• Asthma

• Diabetes (for mother and baby)

• Heart disease (for mother and baby)

• SIDS

• Postpartum depression

Formula increases risk of

• Obesity

• Diarrhea

• Ear and lung infections

• Allergies

• Asthma

• Diabetes (for mother and baby)

• Heart disease (for mother and baby)

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