Breastfed babies tend to have lower rates of asthma, childhood obesity, diabetes and other illnesses as they mature, and breastfeeding moms tend to recover from pregnancy faster and to have reduced rates of breast and ovarian cancer, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
But as many moms know, breastfeeding can be painful, awkward and complicated.
For that reason, the Northeast Tennessee Breastfeeding Coalition offers support sessions for breastfeeding moms and moms to be.
Learning what color and consistency milk should be, how to manage pain and production and being able to discuss social stigmas and fact-based benefits to breastfeeding are just some of the benefits that Carter County moms say they experience by attending Breastfeeding Advocacy Benefits Everyone (BABE) sessions.
“We know it is hard, and moms are more successful when they are supported, so we just want to provide them the opportunity to be around moms with same struggles and advice,” said Jilian Reece, certified lactation specialist and BABE director.
The classes feature healthcare providers and specialists who discuss the benefits of breastfeeding and other methods of improving the physical and mental health of a baby and his or her mother. In the past Reece said they have taught about baby wearing, cloth diapers and lactation, as well as making visits to the Gray Fossil site, attending karate classes and hosting homeschooled classes.
Classes meet on the first and third Thursday’s of the month at 11 a.m. at Village Pediatric and Breastfeeding Medicine
At this week’s meeting on March 3, Reece said they will have a moms with coffee and tea social mixer for moms to come and be encouraged and to share their experiences. The classes on the third Thursday will continue in the informative style with guest healthcare specialists.
This month, on March 17, Health Source of the TriCities will do mini massages and stress management assessments.
“It’s always something different that mom and the kids can enjoy,” said Reece.
Throughout the year, BABE participates in outreach by providing baby rest stops at festivals and events, as well as hosting events like the Momma-to-Be Tea with pediatricians.
“We know breastfeeding is right for every baby,” said Reece, encouraging expectant mothers to attend and learn more about breastfeeding.
The Tennessee Department of Health recommends breastfeeding for prevention of respiratory illness, ear infections, gastrointestinal diseases, allergies, sudden infant death syndrome, obesity and breast and ovarian cancers. It recommends that mothers exclusively breastfeed for the first six months of the child’s life, ten in combination with introduction of complementary foods until 12 months old, and continued breastfeeding as mutually desired by mother and baby.
Childcare is provided at each session. For more information about the classes or services provided, visit www.breastfeedingsupportnet.com, visit the BABE Breastfeeding Coalition Facebook page. Breastfeeding moms with questions or issues can also call the 24-hour Tennessee breastfeeding hotline at 855-4BF-MOMS.