Tea parties with children and parents can create a special bond for those involved. Tuesday afternoon’s Mommy and Me Tea was designed to help parents and grandparents deepen those bonds even further.
The “tea” at the Bothwell Education Center brought together mothers, fathers, grandparents, caregivers and children for World Breastfeeding Week observed Aug. 1 through 7, and to help those involved learn the importance of breastfeeding.
“We know there are a number of benefits for both mother and child when children are breast-fed,” said Pat Sturgiss, RN, IBCLC, one of three lactation specialists at Bothwell Regional Health Center. “We know that breast milk is the perfect food for babies.”
“It helps to strength their immune systems and can protect both mother and child from certain illnesses,” Sturgiss told the Democrat prior to her presentation. “It is an excellent way to create and strength lifelong bonds between both mother and child.”
Other benefits Sturgiss pointed to include that children who are breast-fed tend to be happier and less obese in later life.
Breast-fed children may be more intelligent, according to one study that showed breast-fed children scored on average of eight points higher on IQ tests.
Mothers tend to lose their pregnancy weight more quickly and it may reduce the risk of certain types of cancers.
“As important as it is for mothers and their children, we wanted to make a point to invite fathers, grandparents, friends, really anyone who is close to the mother to come today (Tuesday) so they can understand the role in supporting the mom in her breastfeeding relationship,” Sturgiss commented. “We want you to think of the experience as being part of a support group who can help to protect the mothers from the criticism of others.
“It’s also important for the child’s grandmother to become involved because it is different for this generation,” Sturgiss added. “Many of them (grandmothers) may not have chosen to breastfeed their children or they had the children on strict feeding schedules. We know today that it is more important to follow the baby’s cues for when they are hungry.”
Mothers throughout Pettis County have a support group at hand to help offer guidance and advice through the Pettis County Breastfeeding Coalition and the Baby Café.
The members from the organization are available from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and from 10 a.m. to noon Thursdays at the Bothwell Education Center, 600 E. 14th St.
Appointments are not required and three trained lactation consultants are available to answer questions.
The organization relies solely on grants and donations but it is one Sturgiss feels is of tremendous benefit to mothers, babies and the entire family.
“We are so fortunate to have the Baby Café and three trained consultants here,” Sturgiss said. “There is always someone available to help answer questions and offer support.”
For more information or to make a donation to the Baby Café or Pettis County Breastfeeding Coalition, call 660-619-8635.
