AMONG THE BENEFITS FOR BABIES, BREAST MILK BOOSTS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM WHILE ALSO SUPPORTING HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM.

Talitha L. Bruney, MD

One of the most important decisions a new mother will make is how she will feed her newborn. Talitha L. Bruney, MD, Associate Program Director, Obstetrics & Gynecology Residency; Medical Director, Comprehensive Family Care Center; Co-Chair, Montefiore Breastfeeding Committee; and Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women’s Health, Einstein, shares that many women know breastfeeding is healthy for babies, but they may not know exactly why, or may not have heard how beneficial it can be for their own health. August is National Breastfeeding Month, when the United States joins much of the world in promoting awareness and support for mothers making this choice.

Among the benefits for babies, breast milk boosts the immune system while also supporting healthy development of the digestive system. Children who have been breastfed have lower rates of respiratory problems, allergies and skin conditions, and decreased risk of childhood leukemia and SIDS. Obesity and diabetes are decreased by one-third in children who were breastfed. For moms, breastfeeding supports postpartum weight loss and can help ward off depression. Over the long term, women who breastfeed have lower rates of some forms of breast and ovarian cancers and diabetes, and there are indications it reduces the risk of osteoporosis. Breastfeeding is also convenient—no bottles to wash—and saves money.

Breastfeeding is a personal choice and one that each mother will want to consider carefully and discuss with her doctor in advance. Every new mother deserves the support of those around her whatever she chooses.

The Montefiore Wakefield Campus recently celebrated its 10th anniversary as part of Montefiore with a community health fair on Saturday, July 20. A number of Montefiore leaders kicked off the event with remarks, including Regginald Jordan, Vice President of Clinical Affairs and Executive Director, Wakefield, and Peter Semczuk, DDS, MPH, Senior Vice President and Executive Director, Moses, who formerly led the Wakefield Campus. James M. Butler, Chair, Board of Trustees, Montefiore Health System, also made remarks, touching on the deep ties he and his family have to Wakefield, all the way back to the start of his career as a department secretary there.

From left: Regginald Jordan; Senator Jamaal Bailey; Jim Butler; Council Member Andy King; Peter Semczuk, DDS, MPH; Speaker Carl Heastie; Avis Plummer, RN

The Government Relations team introduced local elected officials attending the event, including State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and State Senator Jamaal Bailey, along with New York City Council Members Andrew Cohen and Andy King. The hospital’s Community Advisory Board was recognized at the event, which included free health screenings, health education, photo booths and refreshments. An Associate Appreciation event was also held on July 17, with a Caribbean-themed barbeque providing great food, music and fun.

From left: Joan O’Brien, MSN, RN, NE-BC; Tulay Aksoy, MD; Maura Porricolo, DrNP, CPNP, MPH; Angel Long; Joyce Bermingham and Regginald Jordan enjoying Wakefield Associate Appreciation Day