Breastfeeding Rates Rise in Illinois, Though Some Mothers Still Face Challenges

(Undated) -- August is National Breastfeeding Month and efforts to get more mothers to nurse their babies are paying off. According to new data from the C-D-C, breastfeeding rates are rising in the U-S, with an estimated 75-percent of moms in Illinois now at least starting with nursing. But despite the increase, International board certified lactation consultant Dee Kassing of Collinsville says mothers still face challenges nursing in public. And she has advice for those who are not used to seeing it. Kassing says breastfeeding is beneficial in many ways. Some studies show mothers who breastfeed can reduce their risk for diabetes, cardiovascular conditions and some forms of cancer. And for babies, it can build a stronger immune system, better motor development, and possibly a reduction in allergies. Of course, not all mothers can breastfeed or want to, and it is a decision to be made by the mother.