Aug. 15--OROVILLE -- Breast milk is considered the healthiest choice for babies, lactation consultants say, but during an emergency or disaster, breast milk can save a baby's life.
International board certified lactation consultants and nurses at the Oroville Hospital Small Miracles Baby and Mother Center provide information to women about breast feeding support and to women who decide to breast feed their babies.
This week, the maternity wing is celebrating 2009 World Breastfeeding Week's theme, "Breast Feeding: A Vital Emergency Response -- Are You Ready?"
In an emergency brought on by natural disasters, such as fires, earthquakes or floods, infants are the most vulnerable, according to a statement from the International Lactation Consultant Association.
After a disaster, clean water, electricity, fuel and bottles aren't always available, said Anna Saxmon, a lactation consultant and registered nurse at Oroville Hospital.
"Breast milk has antibodies that fight infections and diseases, and it's always available and clean," Saxmon said.
In emergency situations, infant formula is often provided by benefactors, but when the area has contaminated water, these donations do more harm than good.
And when the mothers stop breast feeding, the babies are deprived of the nutrition and other benefits.
Saxmon gave examples of disasters around the world where babies fed with breast milk had remarkable survival rates over formula-fed babies.
Breast milk helps prevent diarrhea,
digestive disorders, infections, diseases and dehydration when clean water isn't available.
It also has a calming effect on the mother and infant, Saxmon said.
Additionally, breast feeding is easier than bottle feeding when people are living in emergency situations.
For example, a local woman had to run out of her home during last summer's fires without taking her breast pump, bottles and sterilizer.
"She found out that breast feeding was easier," Saxmon said.
Saxmon said the benefits of breast feeding, for both mother and child, are enormous.
In women, it helps prevent breast and ovarian cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease and helps mothers lose weight. Nursing mothers burn about 500 calories a day.
Babies fed with breast milk have more protection against childhood obesity, diabetes, asthma, allergies, leukemia, respiratory infections and much more, Saxmon said. Because of the benefits of breastfeeding, Oroville Hospital has three certified lactation consultants who educate nurses and mothers about breast feeding.
They support nursing mothers in the hospital and the women can return for checkups.
"I think breast feeding is increasing among the women who give birth at Oroville Hospital because they are getting the help and support they need," Saxmon said.
Saxmon also teaches a free breast feeding class, which is open to everyone, at 1 p.m. Wednesdays at the WIC office, 82 Table Mountain Blvd.
Della Corral, a lactation consultant and licensed vocational nurse at the hospital, said most women can breast feed regardless of health or medications.
Even during disasters when there isn't enough food, women still produce enough healthy milk for their babies, she said.
Because of the natural antibodies in breast milk, it can be used as an antibiotic for cuts and infections during an emergency, she said.
When babies are ill, neonatal units in hospitals give them breast milk, she said.
"They use it like medicine in the neonatal units," Corral said.
On Wednesday, Carol and Bill Mulholland were ready to take their newborn, Patricia, home from the hospital.
They learned about breast feeding from the consultants and nurses.
"I want to breastfeed because it's the healthiest choice for my baby," Mulholland said.
On Oct. 21, Saxmon and other consultants will give a presentation to all Butte County medical and emergency personnel about breast feeding during an emergency or disaster.
Staff writer Mary Weston can be reached at 533-3135 or mweston@orovillemr.com.
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