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MOTHERS HAVE BEEN BREASTFEEDING
their
children for centuries.
For something that is supposed to be natural and
instinctive, breastfeeding isn’t easy for many mothers.
But there’s help.
Resources and support groups are available to address
the needs, concerns and joys associated with this unique
relationship between mother and child.
Research showcasing the benefits of breastfeeding is
plentiful. Studies show breast milk helps stimulate intestinal
growth andmaturity, leading to easier digestion for infants.
And the American Academy of Pediatrics says breast milk
is the best nutrition for babies.
BREASTFEEDING BENEFITS
In her practice, Christina
Sherrod, MD, Shannon Clinic pediatrician, says she has
noticed that breastfeeding mothers have fewer complaints
about fussiness, vomiting and constipation in their babies
compared with formula-fed babies.
She also says breastfeeding reduces the chances of
developing obesity, cancer, allergies and diabetes later
in life.
“Many studies have also shown that breastfeeding
decreases mortality rates in children by protecting them
from infections like stomach flu, RSV, ear infections, blood
infections and other respiratory illnesses,” Dr. Sherrod
says. “We have had a particularly rough RSV season this
year in San Angelo, and my patients who breastfed their
infants had less severe RSV symptoms compared with
formula-fed babies.”
Breastfeeding may also help mothers return to their
prepregnancy weight and help their uterus shrink back
to normal size more quickly.
For mothers who have pain or other difficulty with
breastfeeding, however, the benefits may not seem worth
it. For those women, Shannon Medical Center has help.
Lactation consultation services are available at Shan-
non Medical Center 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our
consultants are trained and certified by the International
Lactation Consultant Association.
“We are available before you deliver and during the
entire breastfeeding process,” says Amanda John, RN,
Shannon lactation consultant. “I am a mom, and I un-
derstand the joys and the difficulties you can experience
during this time.”
HERE TO HELP
John says mothers should get in touch
with Shannon lactation consultants whenever they feel
the need. Outpatient appointments are available, and you
do not need to be a Shannon patient.
“I’m quite proud of the work our group does to en-
courage one of the best things a new mother can do for
her baby,” Dr. Sherrod says. “While learning to breastfeed
can be frustrating for the mother, with the guidance of
our lactation experts Women’s Health has been quite
successful helping mothers through many problems like
poor latching, tongue-tie, breast engorgement and breast
milk production issues.”
Our “Breastfeeding Community Gathering” is another
resource for mothers. Meetings are held each Thursday
from 11 a.m. to noon in the Women’s & Children’s Fam-
ily Room on the third floor of the Shannon Women’s &
Children’s Hospital.
“This gathering gives those experiencing the joys and
challenges of breastfeeding a chance to share their experi-
ences with others and also ask questions in an open and
understanding environment with health care professionals
and lactation consultants,” John says.
LACE UP YOUR RUNNING SHOES,
and mark your
calendar for the 2012 CATCH in Motion Kids’ Marathon!
CATCH in Motion is a program developed by Shannon
Health and Wellness to address state-mandated school
health requirements by helping schools provide nutrition
and physical education training. Shannon’s partnership
with area schools, including the CATCH in Motion Kids’
Marathon, provides kids an opportunity to learn healthy
habits and get moving.
“Last year, the Kids’ Marathon event far exceeded our
hopes and goals,” says Carol Ann Bonds, PhD, San Angelo
ISD superintendent. “All the ingredients came together
to give kids a positive and memorable experience around
the seriousness of working on healthy eating and exercise
for a higher quality of life. We look forward to another
magnificent experience with the second year of this event.”
HEALTHY HABITS
The CATCH inMotion Kids’ Marathon
program provides a chance for students in kindergarten
through sixth grade to form healthy habits early in life.
A full marathon is 26.2 miles, but kids will be cover-
ing that distance in much shorter runs and walks during
the spring semester. The marathon began at the start of
the semester, and each student has been encouraged to
complete the total distance by April 19, the date of the
Last Lap Celebration. Along the way, kids can get their
family members to join the fun too.
“Kids’ Marathon shows children how much fun the
benefits of a healthy lifestyle can be,” says September Sum-
mers, program coordinator. “We are very excited about
the event this year and are excited to see it grow. An addi-
tion to this year’s event is the Finisher T-shirts—donated
by Gandy’s Ink—handed out to the first 500 participants
who complete their last lap.”
The Last Lap Celebration will begin at 5:30 p.m. on
April 19 at San Angelo Stadium, but participants may run
their last lap anytime between 5:30 and 7 p.m. Students
will complete the marathon’s final two-tenths of a mile
with one lap around the stadium track. They will then
be given a water bottle, which they can use to collect
autographs from area high school and college athletes.
Community organizations will also provide family
activities, and students and parents can learn about sum-
mer activity programs.
SHANNON GETS INVOLVED
Shannon Trauma Services,
one of the participating community groups, will hand out
bicycle helmets. Head injury is the most common cause
of death and disability from bike crashes. Each year, bi-
cycle accidents and resulting injuries kill an average of
250 U.S. children younger than 14. An additional 300,000
children are treated in emergency rooms for severe head
injuries, many of which could have been prevented by
wearing a helmet.
“We are thrilled to be a part of Kids’ Marathon this
year, because riding bikes is a great form of exercise for
kids and we want to help keep them safe while being ac-
tive,” says Matt Berry, BSN, RN, trauma programmanager.
A RUNNING START TOWARD FITNESS
To learn more about the CATCH
in Motion Kids’ Marathon,
call 325-657-5065 or go to
www.catchinmotion.org
.
HELP IS HERE FOR
BREASTFEEDING MOMS
To find out more about the “Breastfeeding Com-
munity Gathering” or our lactation consultant
services, call
325-481-6326
. Find answers to
frequently asked questions about breastfeeding
by going to
www.shannonhealth.com
. You can
also post your own questions at
www
.shannonbreastfeeding.wordpress.com
.
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