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August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, an annual observance dedicated to supporting nursing families, promoting the benefits of human milk feeding, and increasing awareness of resources available to parents and infants.
In recognition of the month, the Chautauqua Child Care Council’s Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is encouraging registered and licensed child care providers throughout the region to become Breastfeeding Friendly designated programs.
The designation is awarded by the New York State Department of Health to child care providers who complete specialized training and a program assessment demonstrating their commitment to supporting breastfeeding families. Providers who earn the designation create environments that help parents continue breastfeeding after returning to work or school.
National Breastfeeding Awareness Month has been observed each August since 2011, when the United States Breastfeeding Committee officially designated the month to promote education, support, and awareness surrounding breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding:
- Provides babies with the most complete and "custom-made" nutrition with the correct balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates needed for optimum growth and development.
-- Helps babies experience fewer serious illnesses including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), obesity, Diabetes, and Leukemia. Breastfeeding can also significantly lower the incidence of respiratory and gastrointestinal issues as well as rashes, allergies and ear infections.
-- Helps protect mothers from developing Diabetes, breast and ovarian cancers and postpartum depression.
-- Is more cost effective than formulas that can run upwards of 50 cents to over $2 per ounce costing families and child care programs over $200 per month or $2,400 annually. Breastmilk is creditable in the CACFP at any age allowing child care programs to claim meals and snacks served to babies and children that include breastmilk.
Parents looking for a list of centers and family child care programs that have earned the BFF designation can use this link: https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/cacfp/breastfeedingspon.htm. In addition, the Chautauqua County government's website lists a number of local agencies and resources that support breastfeeding including a breastfeeding support group. Parents can use this link for more information: https://chautauquacountyny.gov/public-health/breastfeeding-support.
For more information about the Chautauqua Child Care Council and programs offered including free child care referrals, help paying child care or becoming a registered or license child care provider, please call 1-800-424-4532 or 716-661-9430 or go to: https://www.chautauquaopportunities.com/chautauqua-child-care-council/. The Child Care Council is a division of Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. (COI).