Breastfeeding is one of the unique powers of womanhood to provide the perfect food for her baby, with only her own body. No multinational corporation, no government, no power structure of any kind can do this. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the CDC, and the World Health Organization all emphatically agree that breastfeeding for at least 6 months, preferably longer, is the best option for your baby. The research shows that by not breastfeeding your baby (using formula), you may be putting your baby at a higher life-long health risk as the evidence from Doctor Bernardo Horta of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland shows. Dr. Horta compiled a report summarizing 40 years of scientific research on breastfeeding. The report documents people who were NOT breastfed:

1. Were more likely to have type-2 diabetes.
2. Had lower intelligence scores.
3. Were more likely to have high blood pressure.
4. Performed less optimally in school from childhood through young adulthood.
5. Developed higher unhealthy cholesterol as adults.
6. Were more likely to be overweight.

Summary from Jan '08 Mothering Magazine. To view WHO website, click here.

Presented By La Leche League

1. Human milk for human babies. Surely nature did not intend a cow's milk to feed your human baby. There is no other milk in the world that is more perfect for your infant.

2. Bonding. Breastfeeding by it's very nature requires the skin to skin contact that babies need. it is a uniquely bonding experience.

3. Immunities. Your baby will be protected against disease, intestinal disorders, colds and infections starting at birth with colostrum. Colostrum is the clear, sometimes yellowish fluid in the first few days that precedes mature breastmilk. The immunities passed through your breastmilk each day will be beneficial to your baby for a very long time. Reasearch has shown that breastfed babies are healthier.

4. Free! Breastfeeding mothers save about $100 a month over bottle feeding in purchasing formula, feeding equipment, and hot water for cleaning bottles.

5. Availability. You can breastfeed anytime, anywhere. It is always the right temperature. You never have to worry about how many bottles to bring or about not having enough to feed baby.

6. Night feedings are easier. There is nothing to prepare for nighttime feedings. No opening of cans or heating of bottles.

7. No equipment. No bottles,nipples,bottle liners, dishwashing or sterilizing.

8. Not so stinky!! Your infant's stools will be sweeter smelling while exclusively nursing. Diaper leaks and spit ups clean up much easier with breastfed babies.

9. Mothering! Breastfeeding makes mothering easier. You will know your baby (see #2) so well that you will learn to anticipate his needs. Breastfeeding mother's respond to their babies more intuitively and with less restraint.

10. Digestibility. Breastmilk is easier to digest than formula. Your breastmilk will change constantly to meet your babies needs. Infant formula remains the same.

The following is a list of Central Pennsylvania local La Leche League Groups. Click on the Group name to see that Group's webpage:

• Carlisle
  Leaders available for breastfeeding help
  Molli 258-9608
  Kim 243-4592

• Harrisburg
  Meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 11:30 am
  Edyta 230-8023
  Stephanie 877-2389
  Christine 730-9943
  Maureen 540-7700

• Lykens Valley
  Leader available for breastfeeding help
  Audrey 249-8828

• Mechanicsburg AM and PM
  PM meets on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm
  AM meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 10:30 am
  Melissa 691-8771
  Kathy 761-8156
  Rowan 243-6616

• York
  Meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 10:00 am
  Paula 741-6087
  Heather 764-4632

La Leche League Groups in other areas (in PA and everywhere else in the world) can be found through the LLLI website.
 

Lactation Consultants:

• Barbara Cavanaugh 717-385-7925
• Shannon Lilienthal 717-712-6822 (c)
• Ruth Soloman 717-782-5372 (w)   717-238-0223 (h)
• Genevieve Whitehaus 717-533-7308
 

Lactation Supplies:

• Comprehensive Supplies for Lactation and Parenting
  (specializing in supporting breastfeeding twins)
  Genevieve Whitehaus 717-533-7308