CDC urges hospitals to encourage breast-feeding

Randall Jeppesen reportingThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says not enough hospitals around the country are encouraging breast-feeding.

The report says hospitals often hand out free samples of formula to mothers who are able and willing to breast-feed.

But at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center, Barbara Thorne is among a team of lactation consultants encouraging and teaching the benefits of breast-feeding. "It's critical to have some help and some information right at the start when they meet challenges," she said.

She says breast-feeding gives the baby what it needs in the right amount and protects the child from infections and allergies.

"And then we give them information for how they can tell at home how it's working," Thorne said.

The CDC is encouraging all hospitals to see what they can do to give more support to help encourage breast-feeding mothers.

E-mail: rjeppesen@ksl.com

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