[ Healthy Living ] SPONSORED BY CANNON PHARMACY BYAMANDA BUCK
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Breastfeeding and Pharmacy.. What is the Connection?
harmacists are your first line of defense when a parent needs advice on medication for a sick child. They recognize that a sick baby or a child with a chronic illness could mean an exhausted and concerned parent. Unfortunately, we cannot prevent all sickness or chronic illness, but breastfeeding has regained popularity research has brought these health benefits to light. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breastfed babies have lower incidence of: • Asthma • Leukemia (during childhood) • Obesity (during childhood) • Ear infections • Eczema (atopic dermatitis) • Diarrhea and vomiting • Lower respiratory infections • Necrotizing (NEK-roh-TEYE-zing) enterocolitis (en-TUR-oh-coh-LYT-iss), a disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract in premature babies, or babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy • Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) • Type 2 diabetes In August, Cannon Pharmacy acknowledges World Breastfeeding Week and its motto for 2019 which is “Empower Parents, Enable Breastfeeding”. The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action [WABA] states: “Empowerment is a process that requires evidence-based unbiased information and support to create the enabling environment where mothers can breastfeed optimally. Breastfeeding is in the mother’s domain and when fathers, partners, families, workplaces, and communities support her, breastfeeding improves. We can all support this process, as breastfeeding is a team effort. To enable breastfeeding we all need to protect, promote and support it.” When new moms go back to work, breastfeeding becomes a complex decision to make to include where to pump, how to schedule feedings, etc. The North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition has helpful tools for businesses, hospitals, daycare centers, and workplaces to become breastfeeding friendly. For more information about how you 22 | Cabarrus Magazine
can make a difference, or for breastfeeding support, check out these websites: • waba.org.my • LLLOfNC.org/groups/charlotte • ncbfc.org • www.cabarrushealth.org In order to empower parents, Cannon Pharmacy has created a pediatric flyer that
lists common medications children are prescribed, the common side effects, and a place for you to record your child’s medication history. It has the poison control line and place to list the doctor’s contact information. Please call 704-886-0840 and speak with Arin Jackling if you would like one emailed or mailed to you.
