Breastfeeding support group beginning this month at Fort HealthCare

Fort HealthCare will begin offering a Breastfeeding Mothers Support Group for nursing mothers and those considering breastfeeding. The support group is a unique opportunity to get questions answered, learn techniques, share experiences and network with mothers dealing with similar challenges and successes. Certified lactation consultants will answer questions and discuss a variety of breastfeeding issues and topics. In addition, baby weight checks will also be provided. The group is open to any mother, regardless of how long she has been breastfeeding.

Fort HealthCare encourages breastfeeding because it provides colostrum for the first few days after birth to helps newborn’s digestive system grow and function, breast milk has antibodies that help baby’s immune system fight off sickness, babies who are breastfed also have a lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome, asthma, obesity, allergies, and colic, as well as fewer feeding and gas problems.

For mothers, breastfeeding is not only convenient, but it also releases hormones which cause the uterus to contract and return to its pre-pregnancy size more quickly, decreases the risk of some forms of cancer and other illnesses, may help drop weight gained during pregnancy, is less expensive than bottle-feeding with formula and helps create a special bond between mom and baby.

The Breastfeeding Mothers Support Group will be held the last Thursday of every month. The group will begin meeting Thursday, November 29 at 1:30-3:00 p.m. in the OB classroom at Fort Memorial Hospital. There is no charge for the support group and registration is not required. To learn more about breastfeeding, visit www.FortHealtCare.com/Baby or call (920) 568-5369.