Mothers that work full time are less likely to breastfeed their infants compared to mothers who do not work.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC), a nonprofit clinic providing services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, was recognized by Oklahoma State Department of Health’s Preparing for a Lifetime as a Breastfeeding Friendly Work Site.
Breastfeeding has been proven to reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes in breastfed children. American Indians on average have a higher prevalence of both of these chronic conditions. Many factors contribute to the problem of obesity and diabetes in the American Indian youth and adult population, including lower breastfeeding rates.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, infants should receive only human milk for the first six months and continue to receive breast milk in combination with foods for a minimum of twelve months.
One of the major barriers of breastfeeding is a mother’s return to work. Only 25 percent of employed women with children under the age of one will combine working and breastfeeding for at least a month.
In an effort to increase breastfeeding rates, OKCIC has an onsite Certified Lactation Councilor, teaches Strong Start group prenatal care and hosts COBA Baby Café. Most recently OKCIC has remodeled an old office space and created a lactation room for mothers to express milk in privacy.
“It is well known that breastfeeding is the best option for infants, but breastfeeding can also help mothers,” Robyn Sunday-Allen, OKCIC Chief Executive Officer, said. “It is our hope that the addition of the lactation room will support and encourage mothers to continue to breastfeed after returning to work.”
Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of health issues for mothers. This includes breast cancer, ovarian cancer and postpartum depression. It also decreases employee absences, increases retention of female employees and reduces medical cost.
Native Americans are less likely than their non-Native peers to breastfeed.
“It is our goal to set an example to the Native American community, especially working mothers, and show them that breastfeeding while having a career is possible,” Sunday-Allen said.
About Preparing for a Lifetime:
Preparing for a Lifetime is an initiative of Oklahoma State Department of Health to reduce infant mortality and other adverse birth outcomes as well as reduce racial disparities for such outcomes.
To learn more Preparing for a Lifetime, or how you can be a part of this effort visit http://www.ok.gov.
About COBA Baby Café:
The COBA Baby Café is a free drop-in or stay event that provides pregnant and breastfeeding mothers a friendly and comfortable environment to learn more about breastfeeding. Mothers can relax, share tips and techniques and socialize with other moms while receiving one-on-one help from specially trained health professionals including Certified Lactation Counselors.
About Oklahoma City Indian Clinic:
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC) was established in 1974 to provide excellent health care and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma. The clinic staff cares for more than 20,000 patients from over 220 federally recognized tribes every year. American Indians can receive a range of services, including medical, dental, pediatrics, prenatal, pharmacy, optometry, physical fitness, nutrition, family programs and behavioral health services. For more information, please visit www.okcic.com.