QLC Supports Memorial Hospital in Breast Feeding Education

QLC Supports Memorial Hospital in Breast Feeding Education

The Quality of Life Coalition is shown presenting breastfeeding educational materials to the Memorial Hospital Birthing Center.  Shown are (from left): Holly Pomeroy, MH Registered Nurse, Michelle Stephens, QLC Community Project Coordinator, Vicki Gieber, QLC Executive Director, and Carolyn Mikesell, MH MedSurg/OB Nurse Manager.

The Quality of Life Coalition has been awarded a Breastfeeding Grant through the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, as part of the 2014 Impact Funding Team program. This grant was used to provide educational materials to the Memorial Hospital Birthing Center for distribution to new mothers to encourage breast feeding. 

The value of breastfeeding is well established as the optimal way to feed a newborn. Breast milk contains just the right balance of nutrients in the form that is most easily used by a baby’s body. Breastfeeding‘s benefits extend far beyond being the best source of nourishment. Breastfed infants have a lower risk of a variety of illnesses and infectious diseases. Plus there are numerous health benefits for the moms, too. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months and continued breastfeeding for a minimum of one year. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the lack of support for breastfeeding is one of the obstacles to its success. If our culture embraces breastfeeding as the normal way to feed babies and young children, more women will breastfeed and the health statistics are likely to change for the better.

The Impact Funding Team program is dedicated to the promotion of breastfeeding and distribution of educational materials to help advance the movement. The Quality of Life Coalition is extremely proud to share in this work.   The Memorial Hospital Birthing Center encourages new mothers to breast feed their infants and provides many educational resources.