MOTHER’S MILK (right): Orange woman and new mum Tiffany Baker said the knowledge that breastfeeding her son Austin may help him avoid sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) has given her confidence. Photo: MARK LOGAN 0517mlsids
BREASTFEEDING was yesterday added to the list of preventative measures against sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) with one new Orange mother saying it boosts her confidence in her decision to breastfeed.
The Sleep Safe, My Baby education program was launched yesterday as a guide to sleeping a baby safely and reducing the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy.
It was good news for Orange woman and new mother Tiffany Baker who said it boosted her confidence in deciding to breastfeed her 4.5-month-old son Austin.
“It’s very reassuring to hear things like that,” she said.
“It makes me feel like all the effort I put into it has been worth it.
“It gives me confidence even though it’s exasperating because I’m the only one who can do it.”
SIDS and Kids chief executive officer Leanne Raven said breastfeeding your baby is among the tips to help prevent SIDS.
“It’s really important for the infant it’s really nutritious,” she said.
“There has been a 40 per cent reduction in the incidence of SIDS if you breastfeed.”
Ms Raven said it is still not understood why breastfeeding helps lower SIDS rates and why SIDS happens in the first place.
“We still don’t know why SIDS actually happens,” she said.
Ms Raven said breastfeeding can be a challenge for some women but recommended to do it for a child’s first six months if possible.
Australian Breastfeeding Association Orange branch community educator Anna Edwards said this recommendation brings Australia in line with the rest of the world..
“It’s in line with the World Health Organisation recommendation that all babies should be breastfed up to six months exclusively,” she said.
nadine.morton@ruralrpess.com