August is National Breastfeeding Month
National Breastfeeding Month was founded in 2011 to raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding mothers are protected under state and federal laws to feed their babies anywhere they need to in public (also bottle/formula feeding, or otherwise!).
Benefits of Breastfeeding for Infants and Mothers
- Breastmilk offers enhanced immunity and antibodies to fight some illnesses, which reduces the risk of infection for babies.
- Breastmilk provides optimal nutrition for most babies. It is also easier to digest than formula for most babies.
- Breastfeeding has health benefits for the mother, too! Breastfeeding can reduce the mother's risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Disparities in Maternal Health
However, maternal health disparities are still a stark reality in our state. Maternal morbidity (rate of illness/disease) and mortality (rate of death) are disturbingly high across Texas, but especially in Harris County. In the past decade, pregnant women in Texas have been ten percent more likely than the rest of the nation to suffer from severe pregnancy-related difficulties; in Harris County, the rate is nearly fifty percent. The biggest problem is a lack of access to adequate resources.
Black Maternal Health
Black women are the most at-risk population for poor maternal health. Black women are three to four times more likely to die during delivery due to pregnancy-related difficulties. Statistics show that Black mothers are also twice as likely to lose an infant within the first year.
To help counter this socio-economic problem, Harris County Public Health Services has created the Maternal & Child Health Program, part of Accessing Coordinated Care and Empowering Self Sufficiency (ACCESS). The program addresses "the significant health inequities in maternal and infant health outcomes, especially for Black mothers and infants" by providing access to free maternal, prenatal, and infant care, including screenings, home visits, nutrition and housing, and mental health services.
Maternal Health Resources & Information
Harris County WIC Breastfeeding
For the Breastfeeding Helpline, call 713-407-5898 (Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM)
For breastfeeding help via e-mail: breastmilk@phs.hctx.net
Maternal & Child Program, Call 713-368-MOMS (6667); or Email: maternalchildhealth@phs.hctx.net, opens a new window
All services are provided free of charge to eligible residents.
ACCESS Harris County
ACCESS) Harris County is an integrated care-coordination model that works to improve outcomes for vulnerable individuals through its Care Coordination Team. The team focuses on supporting clients holistically by addressing multiple needs to achieve well-being and self-sufficiency.
Harris County Public Library is a proud Safety Net Partner in ACCESS,
"aimed at serving the county's most vulnerable community members" with Harris County Public Health. :
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