In August, The Birthing Center will celebrate World Breastfeeding Week and National Breastfeeding Month. Visit the family waiting lounge on The Birthing Center at UM Shore Medical Center at Easton (5th floor) throughout the month of August to learn more about lactation support and resources at UM Shore Regional Health, and if you have questions about breastfeeding/chest feeding or pumping, contact the Lactation Consultant at 410-822-1000, ext. 5535.
World Breastfeeding Week has been observed internationally during the first week of August since 1992 and is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF to protect, promote and support breastfeeding throughout the world. The theme for 2024 is “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All.”
In the United States, The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) proclaimed August as National Breastfeeding Month in 2011. This year, in keeping with the World Breastfeeding Week theme of “Breastfeeding Support for All,” there will be weekly celebrations dedicated to lactation in diverse groups.
- August 8-14 — Indigenous Milk Medicine Week.
- August 15-21 — Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Breastfeeding Week
- August 25-31 — Black Breastfeeding Week
Why breastfeed?
- Breastfeeding/chest feeding protects newborns from infections, reduces the risk of asthma and allergies and decreases the risk of diabetes, some childhood cancers and crib death.
- Breastfeeding also benefits the breastfeeding parent by decreasing bleeding and promoting weight loss after birth, reducing the risk of postpartum depression, decreasing the risk of breast and ovarian cancers and lowering the risk of diabetes and osteoporosis.
Breastfeeding Services at UM SRH
Throughout the year, The Birthing Center staff provides education, support and resources to help new parents reach their goals for breastfeeding/chest feeding or pumping milk. Free prenatal breastfeeding classes are offered every other month. Classes are now also taught in Spanish several times each year. To register, call 410-822-1000, ext. 5234. More to know:
- All of the nursing staff receives education on lactation and four nurses are International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) who have specialized knowledge and skills related to breastfeeding care and management.
- IBCLCs are available to assist families not only during the hospital stay, but also after discharge. The lactation office has a phone line (410-822-1000, ext. 5535) that families can call if they have questions or need support. Free in-person or virtual consultations can be arranged if additional help is needed.
- More than 90% of newborns born in birthing rooms are placed directly on their parents’ chests (“skin to skin”) during the first hour after delivery to promote bonding and breastfeeding.
- Following cesarean deliveries, the nursing staff prioritizes placing babies skin-to-skin with the birthing parent as soon as possible, sometimes even in the operating room.
- Although The Birthing Center has a nursery for procedures and observation of newborns who need special care, healthy babies remain in the room with their families throughout the hospital stay.
- When babies are not able to breastfeed because of medical issues or if parents choose to exclusively pump milk, hospital grade pumps are provided to initiate and maintain milk production.
PLEASE NOTE: Shore Regional Health recognizes that families’ decisions about how to feed their babies are unique and personal. Our nurses and providers are happy to answer questions about newborn feeding and we support all families in their feeding preferences.