Hudson Valley Hospital Center hosts a tea-party to celebrate breastfeeding moms

Number of HVHC moms who breastfeed is higher than the national average

Cortlandt Manor, NY (September 14, 2010) - United by a common bond – the conviction that breast feeding is healthier for their babies – more than 75 moms from across Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess and Rockland Counties came together for a special annual reunion hosted by Hudson Valley Hospital Center.

With infants and toddlers in tow, the women compared notes and talked about the trials and tribulations of parenting and their belief that breast feeding is the healthiest way to nourish their babies. For the 6th year, Hudson Valley Hospital Center (HVHC) has held a tea party to celebrate these mothers’ decision to breastfeed.  This year’s event was held at Cortlandt Colonial in Cortlandt Manor on September 14.

"The number of moms who attend this event seems to grow every year," said Linda LeMon, a Board Certified lactation consultant, "more new mothers are breastfeeding when they leave Hudson Valley Hospital. In fact, 85% of new moms are breastfeeding when they leave the hospital.  That’s significantly higher than the national average."

Babies who are breast fed have stronger immune systems and fewer ailments such as diarrhea, respiratory and ear infections, and allergic skin disorders. According to The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), billions of dollars are wasted each year in the treatment of infant ailments that could be prevented by mothers breast feeding.  For example, prolonged episodes of otitis media (ear infections) were 80% lower in breastfed infants compared with non-breastfed infants.

LeMon attributes Hudson Valley Hospital Center’s success to several factors, but pointed to the strong support moms receive in hospital and after they leave, as the main factor.  "The obstetricians, mid-wives, pediatricians and especially the nurses are all big supporters of breastfeeding," she said. "Hudson Valley Hospital Center has a breastfeeding support group that meets on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. The support group is beneficial for the new moms, many of them are experiencing similar issues. It also offers them a chance to socialize and meet other new moms."

The Hospital also offers prenatal education classes, private consultations, telephone triage and soon will introduce a new class on what to expect for grandmothers.  For more information on the programs at Hudson Valley Hospital Center visit our maternity services page.