Athens, Ga. (August 23, 2023) – August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, and Piedmont Athens Regional is joining in the celebration of this year’s theme, This is Our Why. Piedmont Athens is dedicated to ensuring every family that chooses breastfeeding receives resources as we support, promote, and protect breastfeeding to ensure their success.
"We are well aware of the benefits of breastfeeding for babies and mothers," said Shannon Romano, BBA, BSN, RN, RNC-MNN, IBCLC, a community education nurse and lactation specialist at Piedmont Athens Regional. "Studies show breastfeeding protects babies from various diseases and conditions such as ear infections, asthma, and obesity. For mothers, breastfeeding may lower the risk of certain cancers, Type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure and reduce the risk of developing heart disease later in life."
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 60 percent of mothers stop breastfeeding earlier than they intended due to an absence of ongoing support. Piedmont’s dedicated lactation specialists strive to ensure mothers receive education, resources, and support throughout the baby’s first years.
Piedmont Athens Regional offers a breastfeeding support group free of charge for individuals who are breastfeeding postpartum, as well as inpatient lactation support by on-staff certified lactation consultants. Our experienced pediatricians also work with families on an individualized plan that works best for mom and baby post-delivery.
"Each family's breastfeeding experience is unique, which can present different needs and/or challenges," said Romano. "By establishing a plan together, we find the techniques that work best for each family to provide the most benefit to babies and moms."
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for about six months. Breastfeeding, along with complementary foods, should continue for up to two years and/or for as long as both mom and baby desire.
Online resources can also provide information on the benefits of breastfeeding. The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine has resources dedicated to key facts about breastfeeding. Additional resources can be found at the American Academy of Pediatrics.