Pittsburgh, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) Acting Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen visited the Mid-Atlantic Mothers’ Milk Bank (MAMMB) in Pittsburgh today to discuss the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and babies during World Breastfeeding Week.
“As a primary care pediatrician for more than 25 years, I know firsthand the many health benefits of breastfeeding for babies and their mother. I also know that there are challenges to breastfeeding,” said Dr. Bogen. “Milk banks — like MAMMB — are critical to ensure that infants with medical needs are able to have an all-human milk diet if their mother’s own milk is not available to meet their needs.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately six months after birth and continued breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods introduced at about six months, for up to two years of age or longer.
“All babies benefit from human milk. But for medically vulnerable infants, human milk is even more critical,” said Denise O’Connor, Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Mothers’ Milk Bank. “As Pennsylvania's primary provider of donor milk, we have seen firsthand how it can save lives and help struggling babies thrive. When a mother’s own milk isn’t available, the next best option is donor milk which can bridge gaps, provide protection against serious complications, and even serve as medicine. We are thrilled to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week with this visit from Dr. Bogen.”
According to the CDC, breastfeeding is important for both mother and baby. Mothers benefit by reducing the risk of developing heart disease, breast and ovarian cancers, postpartum depression, and Type 2 diabetes. Babies experience boosted immune system, fewer ear, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, reduced risk of developing diabetes, obesity, asthma, and some cancers, and decreased risk for Sudden Unexplained Infant Death Syndrome (SUIDS).
The DOH 2023-2028 State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) identifies health priorities, goals, measures and strategies to address health issues across the Commonwealth, and breastfeeding is an indicator in improving maternal and infant health outcomes.
# # #