Breastfeeding provides many benefits both to mother and baby. Breast milk has disease-fighting cells called antibodies that help protect infants from germs, illness, and even SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Breastfeeding lowers an infant’s risk of ear infections, stomach viruses, respiratory infections, diarrhea, asthma, type 1 & 2 diabetes, and obesity. Breastfed babies need fewer doctor visits, prescriptions, and hospitalizations.

For moms, breastfeeding burns extra calories, making it easier to lose weight after giving birth. Breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, and promotes healthy bones. Breastfeeding mothers miss less work because their infants are sick less often. Employer medical costs are lower and employee productivity is higher.

The breastfeeding Priority Goal addressed in the Nebraska Physical Activity and Nutrition State Plan is:

• Increase breastfeeding initiation, duration, and exclusivity

In order to encourage more Nebraska moms to breastfeed, policies and environments need to support that choice where we live, work and play. Partners N Health aims to make the breastfeeding choice the easy choice in childcare facilities, schools, workplaces, healthcare facilities and communities across the state.