DOH-Monroe Emphasizes The Importance and Benefits of Breastfeeding
Monroe County, Fla. – Breastfeeding is one of the best things you can do to protect your baby’s health. Benefits for both mom and baby include: more sleep, close bonding, improved health and nutrition, fewer illnesses, and it is free! In fact, breast milk contains the best nutrients to help babies grow and protect against common illnesses and infections, and can even help both mom and baby maintain a healthy weight.1
Research shows that if 90 percent of families in the United States breastfed exclusively for six months, nearly 1,000 infant deaths could be prevented.2
The American Academy of Pediatrics currently recommends that infants should be fed breast milk exclusively for the first six months of life. Exclusive breastfeeding means that the infant does not receive any additional foods (except vitamin D) or fluids unless medically recommended. As the child grows from six months old to one year old, the mother is recommended to continue breastfeeding while gradually introducing solid foods into the infant’s diet.3
Local resources from the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County are available to support mothers who are planning to breastfeed or are currently breastfeeding.
Local Resources:
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): A nutrition program for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or who have recently been pregnant.
Key West office: 305-676-3852 Marathon Office: 305-676-3933
Tavernier Office: 305-676-3975
About the Florida Department of Health
The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.
WIC is an equal opportunity provider.
Works Cited:
1U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General. (2019). Breastfeeding Reports and Publications.
2U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Women’s Health. (2015). Your Guide to Breastfeeding.
3U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. (2017). What are the Recommendations for Breastfeeding?
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