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(Special to The Dallas Examiner) – Breastfeeding is more than just a method of feeding infants – it’s an important bonding experience that helps lay a foundation for lifelong health. Parkland Health lactation support experts are dedicated to celebrating and promoting this natural process through education and support.

Breastfeeding is recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics as the best source of nutrition for most infants.  World Breastfeeding Week is observed each year during the first week of August – Aug. 1 through Aug. 7 – to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies around the world.

Parkland will host a Breastfeeding Fair Aug. 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the cafeteria at Parkland Memorial Hospital, located at 5200 Harry Hines Blvd. This event is open to the public and will offer education for families about the numerous benefits of breastfeeding and offer resources available to breastfeeding mothers and soon-to-be mothers to ensure their journey is successful.

“We need to normalize what having a baby and breastfeeding is all about. There are resources and support available to help families overcome any obstacles they may encounter,” said Kathy Chaney-Padak, MSN, RN, IBCLC, unit manager of Women & Family Education at Parkland.

Breastmilk provides a perfectly balanced blend of nutrients, antibodies and hormones tailored to the baby’s developmental needs. Beyond its nutritional benefits, breastfeeding enhances emotional bonding through skin-to-skin contact, fostering feelings of security and comfort for both mother and child.

However, initiating breastfeeding once a baby is born isn’t always easy, as Chaney-Padak pointed out.

“People think it’s quite easy for babies to latch on, but there wouldn’t be lactation consultants if every latch was perfect,” she noted. “The delivery process can also be challenging for mothers, affecting their ability to breastfeed effectively.”

Breastfeeding offers significant health advantages for infants, including reduced risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, ear infections, gastrointestinal infections, asthma, leukemia and eczema, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Breastfeeding can lower the mother’s risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, ovarian cancer and breast cancer,” Chaney-Padak added.

Supporting a loved one who is breastfeeding can be challenging, but caregivers play a crucial role in ensuring both mother and baby thrive. Simple yet impactful ways to support breastfeeding include educating oneself about its benefits and challenges, ensuring a new mother has adequate rest, plenty of skin-to-skin contact, assisting with household tasks, being present during breastfeeding sessions and ensuring she receives proper nutrition and hydration.

For more information about breastfeeding support services available at Parkland, visit https://www.parklandhealth.org.

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