Navicent Health Offers Breastfeeding Support to New Mothers, Families
Atrium Health Navicent is pleased to offer a weekly breastfeeding support group for new and expecting mothers and their families. The support group meets twice per week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 2:00 p.m. at Wellness Center, Atrium Health Navicent (3797 Northside Drive, Macon).
Mothers who participate in the support group will not only benefit from peer support, but also receive guidance from Atrium Health Navicent's lactation specialists, participate in baby weigh-ins, and receive answers for their questions.
For more information on the breastfeeding support group, mothers may call 478-633-2771.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, human breast milk is preferred for all infants, including those who are sick or premature. Recent studies have shown that babies who are breastfed exclusively for six months are less likely to develop ear infections, stomach viruses, respiratory illnesses and meningitis. Breastfed babies are also less likely to develop illnesses later in life, including childhood obesity, high cholesterol, allergies, diabetes, and childhood cancers. Studies have also shown that breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancers for the mother, and creates a strong bond between the mother and child.
"When we look at the multiple benefits of breastfeeding for both the infant and the mother, it is easy to see why we should encourage mothers to breastfeed, and encourage families to create environments conducive for breastfeeding," said Lee McWilliams, BSN, RN, and board certified Lactation Consultant with The Medical Center, Navicent Health.
In 2016, The Medical Center, Navicent Health was awarded the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® (IBLCE®) and International Lactation Consultant Association® (ILCA®) IBCLC Care Award for providing a lactation program for breastfeeding families. In addition, MCNH demonstrated that is has recently completed activities that help protect, promote, and support breastfeeding.
About Atrium Health Navicent
Atrium Health Navicent was incorporated on November 17, 1994, as a nonprofit corporation whose primary purpose is to coordinate the Medical Center, Navicent Health and other affiliated entities in their mission of providing a comprehensive continuum of high quality, reasonably priced healthcare services to the region. Atrium Health Navicent has 830 beds for medical, surgical, rehabilitation and hospice purposes. The health system includes The Medical Center, Navicent Health, a nationally recognized tertiary teaching hospital; Atrium Health Navicent Beverly Knight Olson Children's Hospital, the region's only dedicated pediatric hospital; Medical Center of Peach County, Atrium Health Navicent, a rural critical access hospital; Rehabilitation Hospital, Atrium Health Navicent, the region's oldest and most experienced rehabilitation provider; Pine Pointe, Atrium Health Navicent, which provides palliative and hospice care in homes and in its facility; Carlyle Place, Atrium Health Navicent, the area's first continuing care retirement community; Navicent Health Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Atrium Health Navicent; as well as diagnostic and home care services. For more information, please visit www.navicenthealth.org.