Minutes 05-25-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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doing community health, nutrition, and food safety outreach education since 1936 in Orange County and breastfeeding is the earliest form of nutrition. The numbers: Orange County boosts an impressive rate of 76.4% of new moms breastfeed, and additional 33.2% at 6 months and 27.9% at one year. In comparison, NC rate is 60.3% of new moms breastfeed, and 21.3% at 6 months, and 15.5% at 12 months. Why is this position so important? Strong evidence has shown that a peer counseling breastfeeding interaction positively impact breastfeeding success for new moms. Many don't understand that breastfeeding is not something that comes naturally. As a breastfeeding educator and registered dietitian, I have seen many mothers who stop in desperation with little support, when programs such as breastfeeding support do not exist. This program is far more than a required pamphlet or brochure, this program is real hands-on help to mothers in need. Women receive assistance on positioning, latching their babies, as well as support for engorgement and common problems. Additionally, this position often makes referrals to other community programs due to things seen in the home or during contacts that provide greater assistance to the family. Please don't cut this position: Cutting this position may be viewed as saving dollars in the short-term, but the costs will be much greater. Recently a study came out in the Journal of Pediatrics (April 2010) that found that 900 babies per year, and 13 billion dollars could be saved if 90% of women breastfed their babies to 6 months of age. A quote from the article said, "Breastfeeding has been vastly underappreciated by health experts, government officials and the public." It went on to say that there are hundreds of deaths and more costly illnesses each year from health problems that breastfeeding could prevent. Additionally, it highlighted the benefits of breastfeeding which includes the antibodies that help babies fight infections and that it can also affect insulin levels in the blood which may make breastfed babies less likely to develop diabetes and obesity. Finally, moms who return to work and continue to breastfeed exclusively (supported by a breastfeeding support specialist) and by pumping have the work advantage that their babies have fewer illnesses in general which translate to fewer missed workdays, which is also an advantage for their employers with less missed time due to sick babies. In closing, by retaining this position of breastfeeding support specialist, many lives and dollars would be saved since breastfeeding support can make all the difference on whether a new mom can succeed. Ultimately, it provides the needed support to our youngest Orange County residents for them to grow and flourish. I want to thank you for your past support and continued support of this program and the important work that it does." Chris Harlan read a prepared statement. "My name is Chris Harlan. I am a Public Health Nurse and I currently serve as Vice-Chair of the Board of Health. You've already heard testimony at these hearings from other members of the Board and as a Board we've met with you previously to discuss budgetary issues. I want to speak from a different perspective...social justice and health for all. Our nation has been through a difficult debate this year about our values regarding access to quality care for all in our society. Unfortunately, even with the hoped-for reforms in our health insurance system, there is acknowledgement that a significant proportion of folks will still be denied access to care. Our health department's primary role is to assure the health of the public....everyone in our community....whether in making sure we eat healthy food in local restaurants, sewer systems are intact, children receive their vaccines, everyone gets a flu shot, the community