LIMA — Wanting to highlight the benefits of breast-feeding as well as raise the awareness level, August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month.
Lori Nester, the breast-feeding coordinator at Women, Infants and Children, said there are many benefits including bonding between the mother and infant. There also are health factors such as an improved immune system for the infant.
Breast-feeding begins after birth and typically goes until about age 2 in the United States. Some other countries around the world breast-feed until age 4, she said.
Kayla Monfort, the program coordinator for Activate Allen County, said the two hospitals in Lima and one in Bluffton are breast-feeding friendly.
Advocates of breast-feeding want expectant mothers interested in breast-feeding to have a plan in place before they deliver, Monfort said.
Activate Allen County and Nester’s organization provide educational opportunities for expectant and new mothers.
