title
Adopt and present a resolution recognizing August 2020 as National Breastfeeding Month in Solano County (Supervisor Brown)
body
Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No __X_
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No __X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services (H&SS) recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt and present a resolution declaring August 2020 as National Breastfeeding Month in Solano County.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The purpose of celebrating National Breastfeeding Month is to bring awareness to the importance of supporting and protecting breastfeeding, particularly during disasters or pandemics. Human milk provides virtually all the protein, sugar and fat a baby needs to be healthy and it contains many substances that support the baby's immune system including antibodies, immune factors, enzymes and white blood cells. These substances protect a baby against viruses, bacterial infections and a variety of diseases not only while breastfeeding, but in some cases, long after they have weaned. Breastmilk provides cognitive, emotional and physiological benefits to babies, providing a foundation for health and well-being.
In addition to providing needed immunological benefits, breastfeeding is important for the mother's mental health, as it helps reduce maternal depression and anxiety. During times of stress, breastfeeding signals the mother's body to produce relaxation hormones. Studies show that breastfeeding helps regulate the body's inflammatory response. Depression is associated with inflammation, and breastfeeding protects both mother and baby mentally and physically.
Financially, there are cost savings associated with breastfeeding. According to the Journal of Pediatrics, researchers have performed cost analyses for various pediatric diseases, such as ear infections, dermatitis, asthma and respiratory tract infections. They found that if 90% of US families breastfed exclusively for at least six...
Click here for full text