Clara Maass Celebrates Breast Feeding Week

Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville will celebrate World Breast Feeding Week by spreading information and support for breast feeding locally.

 “Many people know that breastfeeding is healthy for both babies and mothers, but not many people know why or how to best accommodate their own personal situations,” says Rocelyn Solatorio, Nurse Manager, Labor and Delivery/Postpartum at Clara Maass. “Getting the correct information out there to mothers is important in making the most optimal breastfeeding experience possible.”

The week is celebrated from Aug 1 to 7 and this year is the 20th anniversary of World Breast Feeding Week.

Breast milk is easier to digest, and this is especially true of premature babies.  The protein found in formulas are made from cow’s milk, of which babies’ stomachs take time to adjust to digesting, officials said.

Breast milk fights disease, because cells, hormones and antibodies in breast milk help protect babies from illness.  The protection in the chemical formula that breast milk provides is unmatched by that of formula, officials said.

 “Breastfed infants are typically known to experience fewer sick care visits and thus need less prescription medicines, so that’s just another example of the health and cost benefits of breastfeeding,” said Solatorio.

 Clara Maass offers a monthly breastfeeding course, “Thinking about Breastfeeding?” on the second Monday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Medical Center.

Professional nurses trained in lactation consultation offer expectant mothers information about the advantages of breastfeeding, maternal nutrition, breast care and the breastfeeding working mother. The cost is $25 per person.

 For more information about maternity services or parent education classes at Clara Maas, call 1.888.724.7123 or visit www.barnabashealth.org/claramaass.