FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 1, 2004) – Breastfeeding provides positive health benefits for both mothers and babies and is on the rise in Kentucky according to statistics compiled by the Kentucky Department for Public Health.  These figures show a 79 percent increase over the last two years.

“Breastfeeding is the natural way to feed and nurture our children,” says Becky Derifield, the state’s breastfeeding promotion coordinator.  “Breastfeeding benefits all members of the family by protecting the mother and infant from illness and numerous types of cancer.  It decreases medical costs and lost time from work, and enhances brain development for children.”

These are some of the reasons why the Kentucky Department for Public Health, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) are celebrating the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Day on March 3.  This is an annual activity of the International Lactation Consultant Association and focuses the spotlight on the benefits of breastfeeding infants. 

IBCLCs are trained health care providers who meet specific educational requirements and pass rigorous exams.  They have specialized skills and knowledge to assist infants and mothers with breastfeeding.  These highly skilled providers focus on both pre and post-natal care, and provide information to help families make educated decisions about breastfeeding. 

These breastfeeding consultants teach the “how-to” of breastfeeding and offer reassurance that breastfeeding is going well.  They help mothers and babies overcome difficulties such as nipple or breast pain, latch-on difficulties, low milk supply or slow weight gain.  IBCLCs can also assist mothers with breastfeeding a preterm baby, breastfeeding multiples, relactation, and breastfeeding an adoptive infant. 

Presently, there are approximately 12,000 IBCLCs worldwide.  There are about 95 IBCLCs in Kentucky, many of whom are trained by the state’s WIC Program to work in public health, hospitals, physician’s offices, healthcare centers and governmental organizations.  For a directory of IBCLCs or for more information visit www.ilca.org

As the number of infants being breastfed in Kentucky continues to rise so does the need for more IBCLCs to help families and other health professionals assist breastfeeding mothers and infants.   For more information, contact Becky Derifield at the Kentucky Department for Public Health, WIC Program, (502) 564-2339, extension 3815, or visit http://www.chs.ky.gov/publichealth/breastfeeding.htm.

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