SAN ANTONIO – The numbers of breastfeeding mothers in San Antonio is at its highest point ever, according to Metro Health officials.
Vanessa Clear said she wanted to initiate breastfeeding because she wanted what was best for her baby girl, Gabriella.
"I was determined to get her to latch on," said Clear. "My other two, I wasn't able to, but with her, with the help and the resources I was provided, I was able to succeed."
Clear said she turned to Baby Cafe for help, a place where moms can get free consultations, support and help with any issue they may have with feeding their baby.
"It really helped me get connected with other moms who are breastfeeding and in the same situation as us," said Keely Johnson, who is nursing two children.
In 2009, San Antonio was at a 61 percent initiation rate, according to Metro Health and WIC. Now, the city is close to 71 percent.
"I do see an increase in mommies attempting to breast feed and trying to breast feed for a longer amount of time," said Dee Sanchez, a certified lactation consultant.
Program manager for Baby Cafe Norma Sifuentes said that increase is due partly to more education, more insurance companies making breast pumps available to moms, and more support from pediatricians and hospitals.
"I think more hospitals are becoming more aware of what the benefits are to not only baby, but also mom for breastfeeding," Sifuentes said. "So they are more supportive."
Sifuentes said benefits of breastfeeding for infants include less ear infections, better digestive systems and better immunity.
"We also have immunization because you're providing your antibodies to the baby," Sifuentes said. "It prevents stuff like obesity later on in life and can even increase IQ (and) decrease incidents of diabetes. The list goes on and on."
Sifuentes said breastfeeding has benefits for moms, too, including helping to prevent ovarian and breast cancer. But it also helps moms bond with their babies.
Feb. 27 will mark one year of operation for Baby Cafe. So far they have served over 800 mothers.
If you'd like more information, you can call 207-7138 or click here to visit the Baby Cafe website.