(8/04/10) – This week, McLeod Health, the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), and breastfeeding advocates in more than 170 countries worldwide are celebrating the 19th annual World Breastfeeding Week.
Research shows that the best feeding option globally is the initiation of breastfeeding within the first half hour of life and exclusive breastfeeding for a full six months. UNICEF recently noted that the reduction of child deaths from 13 million globally in 1990 to 8.8 million in 2008 is partly due to the adoption of basic health interventions such as early and exclusive breastfeeding. Breastfeeding also improves short and long term maternal and child health, and provides for a special bond between mother and child.

Every woman who delivers at McLeod Regional Medical Center has the unique opportunity to work with a board certified lactation consultant after delivery. McLeod Health also offers breastfeeding classes, along with a number of other maternity education classes such as Babycare & Postpartum class, Big Sibling class, Childbirth Preparation class, Family and Friends CPR class, and the Maternity Tour. For more information on breastfeeding or for class schedules, please call the McLeod Resource Center at (843) 777 – 2890 or visit the McLeod Resource Center online at www.McLeodResourceCenter.org.