Breastfeeding
In this section, you can:
- Learn current clinical information and research regarding the benefits of breastfeeding
- Get information about the recent lactation support legislation
- Find out about local breastfeeding coalitions throughout the state
Why is this Important?
Breast milk reduces the risks for a variety of childhood illnesses and infections. It also reduces the risk of obesity, certain types of cancer and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Benefits for new mothers include decreased postpartum bleeding, earlier return to pre-pregnancy weight, increased child spacing, reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer, osteoporosis and hip factures.
IPN Resources
- Breastfeeding Promotion Posters available upon request. Contact IPN at 317.924.0825 or ipn@indianaperinatal.org.
- Born to be Breastfed: Strategies to Promote Breastfeeding in Indiana: 2005 Breastfeeding Call to Action that contains strategies, recommendations, and implementation guidelines to promote, support and protect breastfeeding and the provision of breast milk throughout Indiana.
- Breastfeeding Welcome Here Stickers and Window Clings available upon request. Contact IPN at 317.924.0825 or ipn@indianaperinatal.org.
Role of IPN
The Indiana Perinatal Network has a long history of working with health care providers, local community organizations and legislators to promote breastfeeding throughout the state. This includes:
- Convening a statewide taskforce, known as the Indiana Breastfeeding Alliance to develop a nationally recognized call to action document
- Being selected as one of ten pilot states to participate in a unique federal training program, to educate businesses of the benefits of lactation support in the workplace and provide practical suggestions on how to support employed breastfeeding women.
- Leading efforts by the IN General Assembly to pass new legislation to support breastfeeding women returning to work
- Supporting the development of nearly 40 local breastfeeding coalitions throughout the state.
For more information, contact Tina Cardarelli at 317.924.0825 x4223 or tcardarelli@indianaperinatal.org.
Other Helpful Links
- World Breastfeeding Week
- The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine
- DrJackNewman.com
- IBreastfeeding.com
- Indiana Mothers' Milk Bank: One of just ten milk banks in the country, the Indiana Mothers' Milk Bank, Inc. helps premature and sick infants by connecting those in need of human milk with screened donor mothers. The milk bank receives human milk from these donors, then pasteurizes, freezes and distributes it.
- Indiana State Department of Health: Provides information and promotion of breastfeeding in Indiana.
- United States Breastfeeding Committee
Click here to see what we are telling Mothers and Families.
External websites posted for informational purposes only. IPN does not endorse or assume responsibility for their content.