provider in the hospital who has contact with mothers and newborns receive training in Baby-Friendly practices, she said. “Staff nurses, interpreters, nursing assistants, doctors all get 20 hours or more of lactation education. They’re paid to take that education,” Hurley said.
Early education
Setting mothers and babies on the path to successful breastfeeding includes education about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding during the first months after birth, Hurley said. Blue Bradley, a Methow Valley nurse-midwife, chooses Three Rivers Hospital for all her hospital deliveries because of the facility’s dedication to the Baby-Friendly standards. Bradley said rates of breastfeeding at Baby-Friendly hospitals have been shown to be higher than other hospitals. Bradley said scientific studies of breastfeeding show that human milk provides the complete nutrition and antibodies necessary for babies to thrive. “Breastfeeding
is known to reduce SIDS [sudden infant death syndrome], infections and diarrhea in the first year for infants,” Bradley said. “Also, those children who are breastfed have a lower risk of obesity, asthma, high cholesterol and allergies later in life,” Bradley said. Studies have also found that women who breastfeed have decreased risks of breast and ovarian cancer, anemia, and osteoporosis. And because breast milk is free, breastfeeding has economic advantages as well. Being Baby-Friendly means that Three Rivers turns down offers of free formula, bottles and gifts from infant formula companies. In other hospitals, formula companies routinely target new mothers with their products, enticing them to feed their babies formula. “Formula companies are a little sneaky,” Hurley said. “They will give diaper bags to moms. Inside will be advertising and coupons [for formula products]. They are advertising to two of the most vulnerable people: Moms who can’t make up See Baby-Friendly, Page 15
Looking for Yoga, Meditation or Dance Classes? www.MethowValleyYoga.com Are you a teacher who would like to list a class or event? Contact Maureen: MethowValleyYoga@gmail.com
North Glover
healiNG CeNter Massage & Body Work
Elaine Marquez, LMP 996-3960
Certified Aston - Patterner Lic. #MA00008766 Ins. Provider
Michael Pritchard, LMP 996-3960
Orthopedic Massage Certified Lic. #MA00019746 Ins. Provider
Tracy Bocarde Sprauer, LMP 341-4568
I can help:
• Resolve disputes both professionally and personally • Move meetings forward in a productive manner
Common Sense s o l u t i o n s
Chris stern • Groups with differing viewpoints meet and have a constructive 509-996-2554 discussion email: csstern9852@gmail.com www.solutionsbycommonsense.com
341-4831
Cranio Sacral Therapy Lic. #MA00009906 Ins. Provider
Alison ChildersDarwood, LMP 341-4468
Swedish - Deep Tissue Lic. #MA00013497 Ins. Provider
Arijana Holbrook, LMP
Certified Pregnancy & Reflex Lic. #MA00015515
509-429-3986
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Midwifery & Women’s Health
Kate MacDonald, PHD, RN, LLC 425-422-4848 Lic. #1212
Acupuncture
Chaya Kudla, LAc, NTP
MEDiAtion & FACilitAtion sERViCEs
Elizabeth Singleton, LMP
Licensed Acupuncturist Nutritional Therapy Practitioner Chinese Herbal Medicine
997-2488
www.twispriverwellness.com
Weekends Available Lic. #MA00010770
Healthcare for Women of all ages
Blue Bradley, CNM, ARNP 341-4256
www.methowmidwifery.com
Jin Shin Jyutsu Christine Schlotzhauer Certified Jin Shin Jyutsu Practitioner
509-429-3155
214 Glover St. North - Twisp, WA
northgloverhealing.com
HEALTH & WELLNESS 9