Moms exhorted to breast-feed

PROVO — New mothers in Utah are among the most likely in the nation to select breast-feeding over formula.

However, while 77 percent of moms breast-feed their children upon birth, only 39 percent are still breast-feeding after six months.

As part of Breast Feeding Awareness Week, Aug. 18-22, the Utah County Health Department wants to help new mothers understand the importance of breast milk for the continued health of their child.

Although most mothers understand the health and economic benefits of breast-feeding, they need to more fully understand the risks associated with not breast-feeding, said a department press release.

"As good as some formulas are, they can never replace the natural components in breast milk," said Carol Olson, breast-feeding coordinator for the Utah County Health Department. "Many mothers find that breast-feeding is not as easy as they thought it would be. We understand their frustrations and worries and want to help them."

The county's Women Infants and Children (WIC) program offers mothers breast-feeding support, including lactation specialists. Mothers with questions are welcome to call the WIC clinic in their area for more information regarding breast-feeding.

The department invites all breast-feeding mothers to contact them at 370-4517 for more information.