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Mum’s breastmilk can help babies fight flu
3 August 2009
Breast is best – that’s the message Hunter New England Health is hoping mums and dads will hear this week, Breastfeeding Awareness Week (1-7 August).
Armidale-based Community Midwife for the Aboriginal Mothers and Babies Service, Denise Pickett, said breastfeeding was the best start a family can give to their baby’s life, and a way of warding off debilitating illness such as influenza.
“Breastfeeding is a key way that mothers can protect their babies against all strains of influenza and respiratory infections this winter,” Denise said.
“When a mother is exposed to illness, like the flu, she develops antibodies against the strain of infection which are in turn passed onto the baby during breastfeeding.
“Breastfeeding is not only the most appropriate nourishment for a baby, it also has many other important benefits - and it’s free! So it’s important to keep breastfeeding your child for as long as possible.”
While women living in the HNE Health region are among the best in the state at starting and maintaining breast feeding, it is important that more families realise the benefits of the practice and more importantly how to get help if they experience difficulty.
“We know that most NSW mothers – more than 90 per cent - begin to breastfeed after giving birth, but about half of all NSW mothers stop by the time their baby is about six months old,” Denise said.
“In Australia, it is recommended that as many infants as possible be exclusively breastfed until six months of age and ideally breastfed until the child turns one.
“It’s important that families know they always have somewhere to turn if they find it hard to continue breastfeeding their baby.”
Breastfeeding guidance can be provided by your local midwife, child and family health centre or your doctor.
Breastfeeding support is available via Armidale Community Health Centre by calling (02) 6776 9600.
More information and guidance about breastfeeding can also be found by calling the Australian Breastfeeding Association on 1800 686 2 686 (1800 MUM 2 MUM). You can also go to www.breastfeeding.asn.au.
(HNE-1935)
Contact: Carisa Green
Phone: (02) 6767 7135 or 0428 106 183
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