Why you should consider breastfeeding your child

OKLAHOMA CITY – August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month and August 22 to 26 specifically is dedicated to educating Native Americans on the importance of breastfeeding. Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC), a nonprofit clinic providing services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, aims to help every woman in making the choice to breastfeed their Native American child.

In many Native American cultures, breastfeeding is viewed as more than nourishing babies the way nature intended; it is viewed as a way to nourish a baby’s mind, body and spirit. However, for many Native Americans this belief and the tradition of breastfeeding has lapsed over generations of historical trauma.
 
In the U.S., about 76 percent of women initiate breastfeeding after birth while at the hospital, but the rate drops to 38 percent at six months. Only 16 percent of U.S. newborns are exclusively breastfed at six months.

Today, Native American mothers and babies have one of the lowest exclusive breastfeeding rates at six months, which is the recommended amount of time by the American Academy of Pediatrics, of any race or ethnicity in the nation. At the same time, Native Americans face serious health challenges, including increased rates of obesity and diabetes, which lead to other health problems.
 
Because of the health benefits breastfeeding provides, OKCIC is making an effort to reconnect women to the cultural tradition of breastfeeding their Native American child. OKCIC offers breastfeeding classes for patients. They are taught by our Certified Lactation Counselor every second Tuesday of the month from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Public Health Conference Room. A lactation counselor is available in the clinic or for at-home visits to help increase the exclusive breastfeeding rates.
 
In Native American communities, breastfeeding is considered a public health issue.
 
“As a Public Health Nurse it is my duty to get out and educate our community on breastfeeding and to help increase our breastfeeding rates and decrease infant mortality,” OKCIC’s Certified Lactation Counselor Markesha Chiles, LPN, said. “I want to help make breastfeeding the standard again, which will help to protecting our babies with that first line of defense.”

According to a Journal of Pediatrics study in 2004, breastfed babies are 20 percent less likely to die from any cause, including accidents and diseases, during their first year compared to formula-fed infants.
 
“One thing to remember is that breastfeeding is a special gift only you can give to your baby, but it often takes a little practice and support,” Chiles said. “Don’t get discouraged. Contact a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider whenever you have questions or concerns.”

This April, OKCIC was recognized as a Breastfeeding Friendly Worksite by Oklahoma State Department of Health’s Preparing for a Lifetime program. In June, of the same year, OKCIC was recognized as a Gold Star Breastfeeding Friendly Worksite from the same program. This program is designed to support working mothers who want to provide their babies with the best nutrition possible by giving them a place to express their breastmilk at work.

To learn more about OKCIC’s breastfeeding program, contact the Public Health department at (405) 948-4900 ext. 465.

 
– About Oklahoma City Indian Clinic: Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC) was established in 1974 to provide excellent health care and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma. The clinic staff cares for more than 20,000 patients from over 220 federally recognized tribes every year. American Indians can receive a range of services, including medical, dental, pediatrics, prenatal, pharmacy, optometry, physical fitness, nutrition, family programs and behavioral health services. For more information, please visit www.okcic.com.