ph: 877-4-LA LECHE
Staff
News
PRESS RELEASE
In Memory of Viola Lennon, LLL Co-Founder
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Sarah Miner, Associate Coordinator LLL Breastfeeding Helpline—US
sarah@breastfeedinghelpline.com (408-821-4120)
January 22, 2010- From the LLL Breastfeeding Helpline-USThe Helpline Leaders are saddened to learn of the passing of one of the seven Founders of La Leche League, Viola Lennon. Vi had 10 children and breastfed them all. Vi had such a wonderful way of saying things and felt that breastfeeding was more than a method of imparting nutrition, but also a mothering tool. In her own words she said "I feel that breastfeeding gives the mother a vision of what a human person is. Personally, it led me to self-discovery and to a greater appreciation of the full humanity of the babies who were entrusted to me. Each woman needs to trust her own instincts, her own feelings, and her own sense of what will work for her with each baby.” The Helpline Leaders impart information and encouragement to mothers who are breastfeeding their own babies and wish to impart the wisdom, that Vi taught us, that breastfeeding empowers the mother to get to know her baby as a person and to deepen the mother child bond through the breastfeeding relationship so that she can build on that as the child grows and eventually outgrows the need to breastfeed.
It was Vi’s wish that memorial donations be made to the Helpline. There are two ways to donate.
• Mail a check
Checks can be made out to LLL Breastfeeding Helpline – US and mailed to:
Pam Dunne
7295 Highland Estates Place
Falls Church, VA 22043
• Donate online
www.donate2lll.org/helplineGood News for Heart Health Month
Mom’s Long Term Heart Health Improved by BreastfeedingFebruary 2010
While it has been known for a number of years that breastfed infants become adults with less cardiovascular disease than their formula fed peers, current studies show that there is also good news for the breastfeeding mother.
Recent reports have produced staggering evidence that breastfeeding, which improves the life-long heart of the infant, is also likely to reduce a mother’s risk of heart health problems later in life.
Women who had not breastfed were five times more likely to have aortic calcifications than women who breastfed. Breastfeeding for even three months seems to help mom’s blood vessels to be in better shape down the road.
Researchers found that breastfeeding for just a few months reduces metabolic syndrome, the name for a group of symptoms that occur together and prompt the development of coronary artery disease, stroke and diabetes.
The news is even better for women who breastfed for more than 12 months. They were nearly 10 per cent less likely to develop cardiovascular disease. They were also less likely to have high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
When babies are breastfed, they become adults who have a lower average body mass index and a higher average HDL (high-density lipoprotein), good cholesterol level in adulthood. “It is a win-win situation for breastfeeding mothers and babies. A boost is given to the heart health of both,” according to La Leche League Leader Susan Prado, BA, Coordinator of the La Leche League Breastfeeding Helpline—US.
It is no wonder, with a growing body of evidence about lifelong benefits to breastfeeding, that a great majority of new mothers desire to breastfeed their babies. Many mothers, however, prematurely give up on breastfeeding because they don’t have the knowledge or encouragement they need. While breastfeeding is natural, it is a learned art.
The breastfeeding community throughout the United States has access to a 24 hour toll free helpline service by calling 1-877-4-LALECHE (1-877-452-5324). This helpline provides information, education, and support for women who want to breastfeed, and to healthcare providers and others. Callers have access to the most current breastfeeding information, receive support from a helpline volunteer who is an accredited La Leche League Leader, and receive contact information for local LLL Leaders and Groups. We have live operators or callers can choose to leave a voicemail. We have made available two posters to use, print, and distribute in your communities. One is an informational flyer and the other flyer contains the LLL logo and phone number. For more information on the LLL Breastfeeding Helpline -- US, please visit http://breastfeedinghelpline.com.
To maintain this important service, we need to your support. Our online store at www.cafepress.com/lllbhus has posters, shirts, magnets, and other ways to support the helpline while spreading the word in the community. To donate funds directly to the helpline, please contact the LLL Breastfeeding Helpline -- US treasurer, at pameladunne@msn.com or mail your donation to LLL Breastfeeding Helpline -- US at 7295 Highland Estates Place, Falls Church, VA 22043. Donations can also be made to The Olivia and Elena Parry Memorial Fund, 104 Crofton Springs Place, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 or contact pmfree3@aol.com. Online donations can be made at our secure site at http://donate2lll.org/helpline/. Thank you for helping fund our 24/7 toll-free number.
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During National Nutrition Month It’s Important to Remember that Human Milk is a Nutritional Power House
(March, 2010)—March is national nutrition month and experts agree that human milk, loaded with absorbable vitamins and minerals, is a veritable nutritional power house. And as if that’s not enough, it is also a complex living, biological fluid that changes to meet the needs of the infant.
Colostrum, the deep-yellow milk of the first few days, provides perfect nutrition specifically tailored to the needs of a newborn. It contains more protein and minerals than mature milk and less fat and sugar. It is packed with antibodies especially suited to the newborn.
Colostrum contains large quantities of an antibody called secretory immunoglobulin which helps protect the mucous membranes in the throats lungs and intestines. Colostrum also contains high concentrations of protective white cells which can destroy disease-causing viruses and bacteria.
Mature human milk continues to be rich in living white blood cells and antibodies. When a mother is exposed to a pathogen, within hours she makes antibodies targeted to those particular pathogens which she gives to her infant through her milk. In fact, as long as a baby breastfeeds, he will receive immunological protection against many different viruses and bacteria.
Breast milk alone is uniquely suited to human beings. The fats in human milk are rich in the brain-building omega-3s, DHA and AA. Human milk contains the fat-digesting enzyme lipase and fats are nearly completely absorbed. The fats also automatically adjust to the infant’s needs, declining as baby gets older—in effect, making the milk custom designed for the infant.
The high-quality protein in breast milk is soft and easily digestible so it is more completely absorbed. As another illustration of how it is uniquely suited to an individual infant-the protein is higher in the milk of mothers who deliver preterm. Human milk contains Lactoferrin for intestinal health and Lysozyme, an antimicrobial. It is rich in brain-and-body building protein components, rich in growth factors, and contains sleep-inducing proteins.
The Carbohydrates of human milk are rich in lactose and other substances which promote intestinal health. Lactose is also considered an important carbohydrate for brain development. Human milk is also rich in digestive enzymes which makes its absorption of vitamins and minerals superior to other feeding methods. And to top it off, human milk is practically free!
While the majority of mothers today show a desire to breastfeed, they may be have questions about how to get started, how to know if the infant is breastfeeding well, or have any number of other concerns. Breastfeeding is simple and natural but it is a learned art. It is fortunate that mothers can get answers to their questions from a 24 hour toll free helpline service by calling 1-877-4-LALECHE (1-877-452-5324).
This one-of-a-kind helpline provides information, education, and support for women who want to breastfeed, and to healthcare providers and others. Callers have access to the most current breastfeeding information, receive support from a helpline volunteer who is an accredited La Leche League Leader, and receive contact information for local LLL Leaders and Groups. The helpline has live operators or callers can choose to leave a voicemail.
The LLL-Breastfeeding Helpline is the only service of its kind available in the US. To maintain this important service, the helpline needs your support. The helpline is especially looking for donors who will pledge a monthly amount that would support the minimum budget needs of telephone service and administration. For a direct donation to the helpline, please contact the LLL Breastfeeding Helpline -- US treasurer, at pameladunne@msn.com or mail your donation to LLL Breastfeeding Helpline -- US at 7295 Highland Estates Place, Falls Church, VA 22043. Donations can also be made to The Olivia and Elena Parry Memorial Fund, 104 Crofton Springs Place, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 or contact pmfree3@aol.com. Online donations can be made at our secure site at http://donate2lll.org/helpline/. Thank you for helping fund our 24/7 toll-free number.
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######Fighting Obesity Begins in Mother’s Arms
March, 2010—In view of the fact that 60% of adults in the US are overweight or obese, it is more important than ever to start children off on the right foot to a slim future. The good news, according to experts, is that it may be as easy as choosing to breastfeed your infant.
Since 1999, many researchers have found that breastfeeding consistently reduced risks for overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. In fact, breastfeeding has been likened to an immunization against later-life obesity. It is a simple, natural and powerful intervention and is valuable right from the beginning. The greatest benefit, however, is seen when breastfeeding is exclusive, i.e., no formula or solid foods, and continues for more than 3 months.
In a 2009 study, researchers compared 9 19-year-old children and adolescents who were breastfed with their formula-fed siblings. The body mass index or BMI, considered a reliable indicator of body fatness, was shown to be significantly higher in the formula-fed children. For example, at fourteen years of age, the child of average height who had been breastfed weighed an average of 13 pounds less than his artificially fed sibling.[1]
Scientists have identified many possible reasons breastfeeding offers a protective effect against overweight and obesity. Breastfeeding effects an infant’s metabolism and hormones like insulin, which tells the body to store fat. In addition, nursing babies might be better able to regulate how much they eat. It has also been found that breastfed infants are more likely to try and enjoy new foods because breast milk contains flavors from foods eaten by mothers and they are exposed to a variety of tastes. Formula (artificial baby milk) always tastes the same.
While the majority of mothers today show a desire to breastfeed, they may be have questions about how to get started, how to know if the infant is breastfeeding well, or have any number of other concerns. Breastfeeding is simple and natural but it is a learned art. It is fortunate that mothers can get answers to their questions from a 24-hour toll-free helpline service by calling 1-877-4-LALECHE (1-877-452-5324).
This one-of-a-kind helpline provides information, education, and support for women who want to breastfeed, and to healthcare providers and others. Callers have access to the most current breastfeeding information, receive support from a helpline volunteer who is an accredited La Leche League Leader, and receive contact information for local LLL Leaders and Groups. The helpline has live operators or callers can choose to leave a voicemail.
The LLL Breastfeeding Helpline - US is the only service of its kind available in the US. To maintain this important service, the helpline needs your support. The helpline is especially looking for donors who will pledge a monthly amount that would support the minimum budget needs of telephone service and administration. For a direct donation to the helpline, please contact the LLL Breastfeeding Helpline - US treasurer, at pameladunne@msn.com or mail your donation to LLL Breastfeeding Helpline - US at 7295 Highland Estates Place, Falls Church, VA 22043. Donations can also be made to The Olivia and Elena Parry Memorial Fund, 104 Crofton Springs Place, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 or contact pmfree3@aol.com. Online donations can be made at our secure site at http://donate2lll.org/helpline/. Thank you for helping fund our 24/7 toll-free number.
[1] Metzger, Molly and Thomas McDade. Breastfeeding as obesity prevention in the United States: A sibling difference model American Journal of Human Biology July 2009
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CONTACT: Sarah Miner, Associate Coordinator LLL Breastfeeding Helpline—US
sarah@breastfeedinghelpline.com (1-408-821-4120)
LLL Breastfeeding Helpline—US and the Department of Health and Human Services Join Forces to Help Employed Mothers and Business Bottom Line
May 13, 2009—The La Leche League (LLL) Breastfeeding Helpline—US, in conjunction with the United States Department of Health and Human Services, is initiating a program to expand its nationwide outreach to breastfeeding mothers with the goal of focusing on the special needs of employed mothers. The new outreach will assist mothers with breastfeeding management help and provide information on securing employer support for their decision to breastfeed.
Now more than ever with recent influenza outbreaks, mothers are concerned about the health of their babies, and breastfeeding has been shown in numerous studies to promote health in infants. This new program is designed to help mothers demonstrate to employers that healthier babies translate into significant bottom line benefits for companies. It is particularly important to note in these tough economic times, that for every dollar spent on lactation support, employers save $3.
Breastfeeding employees help the business bottom line in numerous ways:
- Lower medical costs and health insurance claims for breastfeeding employees (up to three times less for breastfeeding employees);
- Reduced turnover rates (86-92% of breastfeeding employees return to work after childbirth when a lactation support program is provided compared to the national average of 59%);
- Lowered absenteeism rates (up to half the number of one day absences); and
- Improved productivity, employee morale and company loyalty.
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The LLL Breastfeeding Helpline—US is toll-free (1-877-4-LALECHE) and staffed around the clock, seven days a week by trained lactation counselors. As part of the new program, the helpline counselors have been given additional training in assisting mothers and breastfeeding specialists so that they can help callers demonstrate to their employers the benefits of supporting breastfeeding employees.
While all nursing mothers need information and support, employed mothers also need to know how to approach their employers about their needs. New mothers may feel wary about approaching their supervisors or colleagues about their special needs, which may include a place to express milk in privacy; flexible breaks and work options, education, and support.
The Department of Health and Human Services has produced a toolkit to help these mothers. The Business Case for Breastfeeding toolkit is a comprehensive resource kit that is designed to help employers create a breastfeeding friendly work environment. It includes booklets for business and human resource managers to use to support breastfeeding employees and also an employee’s guide to breastfeeding and working. Also included is an outreach and marketing guide with reproducible resources and a CD-ROM.
In addition to direct telephone help those who call the helpline will be directed to other resources. A link will direct them to additional breastfeeding information, including information on the LLL Breastfeeding Helpline—US’s web site (www.lllusa.org/helpline), and to the free, downloadable “Easy Guide to Breastfeeding” (http://www.4woman.gov/pub/BF.General.pdf), and a free tool kit that can be used in presenting the Business Case for Breastfeeding to employers (www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/programs/business-case).
It is estimated that 15% of US mothers who are planning to return to employment do not even begin breastfeeding because of the anticipated difficulty of combining breastfeeding and employment. One study found that in the month a mother starts work, her odds of weaning are 2.4 times the odds of a mother who did not start working that month. “When working mothers call the LLL Breastfeeding Helpline—US and receive information and support, they are then able to explain to their employers why breastfeeding not only benefits babies, but also companies," said Susan Prado, BA, LLLL,IBCLC,RLC, coordinator of the Helpline. "From their knowledgeable employees, employers are then able to realize the bottom line benefits of establishing a lactation program. As a result, breastfeeding duration rates for employed mothers will increase.”
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ph: 877-4-LA LECHE
Staff
