'Breastfeeding for a Healthier Planet' - World Breastfeeding Week 2020

World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every year during the first week of August in over 120 countries. This year, the theme is “Support Breastfeeding for a Healthier Planet.”

In honor of World Breastfeeding Week 2020, the lactation team at our Family Birth Center wants to highlight the deep connection between breastfeeding and the health of our community and the planet.

Healthy Environment

Breast milk is natural, renewable and environmentally safe.

• Breastfeeding leaves no footprint. It uses few water and land resources and is delivered without pollution or waste.
• Breastfeeding requires no packaging, meaning fewer cans and bottles in landfills.
• Formula production and consumption contributes to global warming.
• Formula creation, processing, shipping and storage generate greenhouse gas emissions and pollution.

Healthy Mind

Breastfeeding builds mom’s confidence and bonding with baby.

• Breastfeeding can build mom’s confidence, as she can care for her baby, like she did during pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding saves time. It does not require time to shop for formula, prepare it or wash bottles and accessories. Feeding can occur anywhere, at any time, with no preparation necessary.
• Moms who breastfeed sleep an average of 45 additional minutes a night, according to a study published in the Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing.
• Pregnancy-related depression is the most common complication of pregnancy. Oxytocin released during breastfeeding helps with relaxation and may reduce the severity of mom’s symptoms. For questions or help with pregnancy-related depression, visit www.colorado.gov.

Healthy Body

Breast milk protects babies and is the best source of nutrition.

• Breastfeeding strengthens your baby’s immune system because breast milk contains antibodies, nutrients, vitamins and probiotics not available in formula.
• Breast milk is easily digested by babies, so babies have less constipation and gastrointestinal issues.

Healthy Community

Breastfeeding saves lives and is always available during an emergency.

• Research shows if 90% of U.S. babies breastfed exclusively for 6 months, nearly 1,000 deaths each year could be prevented.
• Donated breast milk saves fragile, sick and premature babies' lives.
• Breast milk is safe, fresh and available, even during emergencies, snow storms, catastrophes and pandemics. No worrying about availability, proper mixing, correct temperature, expiration or recalls of formula.
• Breastfeeding lowers health care costs because babies are sick less often and parents miss less work.
• The longer breastfeeding occurs, the more health benefits mom and baby receive, including reducing the risks of respiratory tract and ear infections, SIDS, some cancers, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and allergies.

Support for Breastfeeding Moms

Call our Family Birth Center at 303-415-7230. Our experts can answer many questions about breastfeeding, regardless of your baby's age. Phone consults are free.

Our team of registered nurses with lactation certification are also available for one-on-one outpatient breastfeeding consultations. These sessions can last up to two hours and help with a variety of breastfeeding concerns and challenges. For more information, please contact the Family Birth Center at 303-415-7350.