Breastfeeding provides healthy start, supported in Goodhue County

One of the most important decisions growing families have is what method they plan to use to feed their new baby. Choosing breastmilk as a first food is a smart and natural way to help children grow strong and healthy. In Goodhue County, mothers now have "Mothers' Rooms" at schools in Kenyon, Wanamingo, Cannon Falls and Goodhue, at the Red Wing Family YMCA and at the Goodhue County government buildings.

Research shows breastfeeding supports optimal growth and development for infants, and offers lifelong health advantages. Breastfed babies are at a lower risk for many health problems, such as ear and respiratory infections, diarrhea, asthma and obesity. Mothers who breastfeed are less likely to develop diabetes, and breast or ovarian cancer later in life.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a baby's risk of becoming an overweight child goes down with each month of breastfeeding. Experts agree that breast milk contains the right balance of nutrients for babies which allows them to get a good start nutritionally, and possibly make them receptive to a wider variety of the solid foods they will be introduced to later.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, the World Health Organization and many other national and international health organizations recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding during the first year as complimentary foods are introduced.

Minnesota ranks among the top breastfeeding states in the country with more mothers choosing to breastfeed and to breastfeed longer. According to data released from the CDC in 2013:

90 percent of mothers reported beginning or initiating breastfeeding, up from 84 percent in 2012Breastfeeding at six months went from 58.5 to 65.9 percentBreastfeeding at 12 months went from 35.8 to 41 percent

Despite overall improvement in breastfeeding rates, mothers still face some challenges. They need, but may not find sufficient support from family, friends, care providers and employers. This can be improved.

In Minnesota, employers must support nursing moms with a physical space and an appropriate amount of time to express milk. Minnesota law also protects women beyond the workplace ? it allows a mother to breastfeed in any location, public or private, where a mother and child are allowed to be, and includes locations like parks, restaurants or stores.

Live Well Goodhue County, the local initiative of the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership, provided funding to install the "Mothers' Rooms" at the locations mentioned earlier.