Why breastfeed?
Breastfeeding offers advantages that artificial baby milk (i.e., formula) can not match. Breastfeeding is economically convenient, ready anywhere and anytime at no cost to you. Breastfeeding decreases the instances of illness for your baby and prevents things such as; allergies, respiratory and ear infections, childhood cancers, diabetes, asthma, and SIDS, Additionally, breastfeeding strengthens the immune system. Breastfeeding also increases IQ levels, while promoting proper brain development and early emotional stability. Breastfeeding provides specific health benefits for the mother as well by reducing the likelihood for illness in mothers and decreasing the risk of osteoporosis, breast, ovarian, uterine, and endometrial cancers plus encourages postpartum weight loss.
Since the beginning of time, mothers have relied on other mothers to share the wisdom of nurturing their children. From childbirth to breastfeeding, this natural support system provides personalized training and a bond that women universally share. It is this system of trust that inspired us to form BELLAS in 1992. BELLAS is a non-profit program offering Breastfeeding Encouragement, Learning, Liaison And Support. The BELLAS program was designed to provide accurate and culturally relevant breastfeeding information, in addition to support and counseling for low income, minority and adolescent families in Mecklenburg County.
Thanks to the advocacy of successful mothers and medical professionals nationwide, a growing number of women are choosing breast milk as the ideal food for their babies. Although breastfeeding remains the most natural way to feed an infant, many moms need help getting started and encouragement to continue breastfeeding in a culture that favors bottle-feeding. Peer programs like BELLAS are unique in that they offer mothers support throughout the duration of breastfeeding and not simply the first few days. BELLAS is unique in that we target low income, minority and teen-age mothers who frequently lack the resources to obtain lactation assistance, and whose babies often gain the most from breast milk. For the members of BELLAS, helping nursing mothers, like the art of breastfeeding itself, is truly a labor of love. We have first-hand experience with the obstacles a new mother faces, and we act as a mother-to-mother mentoring program for women throughout Mecklenburg County.
Helping Mothers Breastfeed their Babies
BELLAS counselors offer classes for expectant parents and grandparents. Counselors provide printed breastfeeding information, and mother-to-mother support for pregnant and breastfeeding women. They also provide support, information and access to breastfeeding equipment for mothers who continue to breastfeed when they need to be away from their babies when they go back to school or paid employment, WIC Nutritionists provide information and support to breastfeeding families at the WIC clinics throughout the county. They refer WIC families to the BELLAS program for ongoing support and information.
Our culturally diverse counseling staff includes certified lactation consultants and La Leche League leaders with as much as 10 years of experience in breastfeeding instruction. All BELLAS counselors:
BELLAS services
"Warm Line" (704) 336-6464 - English and Spanish
FREE information and support! Please call to hear the names and phone numbers of peer counselors who can help you. Available 365 days a year.
Pump Line (704) 336-8919 - English and Spanish)
Call with questions about where to find a breastpump. Electric pumps may be loaned to mothers enrolled in WIC when there is a clinical need affecting mother or baby.
20 Medela Lactina pumps and 6 Whittlestone Breast Expressors are available for loan to eligible families who meet income and health risk criteria.
Mothers returning to work or school can get information about pumping options available to them (including free manual kits; foot pedals and electric pumps for sale).
Classes:
- "Breastfeeding Basics – the why and wow of breastfeeding"
- "Breastfeeding when you return to Work or School"
Call the Warm Line (704) 336-6464 for class dates, times, locations and registration information. Our classes are FREE, informative and presented in a relaxed atmosphere.
How You Can Help?
Few gifts we give our children have as positive impact as breastfeeding, because breastfeeding not only benefits a mother and child – it benefits our society as a whole. Studies have shown that:
- Breastfed babies are healthier and smarter, with fewer hospital re-admissions and pediatrician visits.
- Premature infants who are fed breast milk go home sooner and with fewer illnesses than formula-fed babies.
- Breastfeeding reduces formula demand from government programs like WIC, which purchases and donates millions in artificial infant milk annually.
But all this comes at a price. To continue to reach every family that needs our guidance, we need your support. While BELLAS is funded in part by grants, the majority of our funding must now come from public and private donations. Fortunately, our low overhead and cost-effective services make the most of each dollar donated. Every $100 we receive provides prenatal classes, hospital and home visits, equipment rental, and counselor support for a nursing mother during the entire time she breastfeeds her baby.
To learn more about BELLAS and how your tax-deductible donation can give a child a healthier start at life, call 704-336-8919. Help us nurture the future, one baby at a time.
