Breastfeeding Club Opens in Mand

by Amy Levendusky

On October 9, 2006, the Mand Breastfeeding Club held its first session. The club was initiated as part of the project, "Traditional Pohnpeian Food for Health" and is sponsored by the Island Food Community of Pohnpei.

A total of 18 mothers are members of the Mand Breastfeeding Club. The purpose of the club is to encourage young mothers in Mand to breastfeed their babies for the many benefits that go along with breastfeeding. The club also provides mothers with a forum to discuss the challenges of breastfeeding and to ask any questions they might have on breastfeeding. Dr. Lois Englberger, IFCP, Ms. Welsihter Hagilmai, COM-FSM Land Grant, Ms. Yumiko Paul, Pohnpei Public Health and Ms. Pelihna Moses of Mand help to facilitate club meetings.

The club meets twice a month. A short quiz is given at the beginning of each session and a prize goes to the person who answers the question correctly. Aneleen Robonei, Resleen Edward and Lihna Aia have won prizes up to this date.

The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) along with the United Nations' Children Fund and the World Health Organization recommend exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months, meaning only breastmilk, not even water, should be given for the first 6 months. Giving your baby any other liquids or solid food before 6 months increases their risk of infection. It is also advised to continue breastfeeding to two years and beyond.

Human milk provides all the nutrients a baby needs in exactly the right proportions. Breastfed babies are healthier than formula-fed babies because they are less likely to contract respiratory, gastrointestinal diseases, and allergies. When breastfed babies do get sick, their symptoms are milder than those of formula-fed babies.

Researchers have shown that human milk also protects your baby against cancer well into childhood and even into adulthood. An article in the Journal of the American Medical Association published in May 2002 confirmed that breastfed babies are smarter and have higher Intelligence Quotas than babies that were not breastfed. Breastfeeding also has health benefits for the mother, helping her lose weight after pregnancy and protecting her later against breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and urinary tract infection.

Breastfeeding saves money. It costs much less to feed a breastfeeding mother with healthy food than it does to purchase special food for her baby. Breastfeeding is good for the environment as no tins or fuel, for bringing the imported milk, are required.

The benefits of breastfeeding go far beyond the physical, with emotional benefits as well.

Nursing is a source of great comfort and security for babies. Nursing enhances the loving bond between the mother and her baby. What a great food, breastfeeding is truly best!