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They cannot speak and barely fit into their doll like clothes, but tiny twins Ashlee and Emilee Haupt are living proof that breast milk does save lives, and that is why the tiny tots are helping to spread the word about World Breastfeeding Week at non-profit Banner Thunderbird Medical Center. World Breastfeeding Week is August 1-7 this year.
“We could see a difference with breastfeeding as our girls were more alert and thriving than when we tried formula,” said Mishelle Haupt, a first-time mom whose premature baby girls were born at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center in Glendale. “It is an important decision and as a mother it’s a chance to give back to your child something that no one else can give them. We know it made a difference in the health of our premature baby girls. Doctors are thrilled with their progress. They are thriving now.”
Nurses at Banner Thunderbird’s Women and Infant Services Unit are taking the opportunity during World Breast feeding week to teach Valley mom’s the following:
- How breastfeeding saves mom’s thousands of dollars in these tough economic times. Formula can run a parent anywhere from two to four thousand dollars for just one baby. Plus breast milk helps babies fight off common ailments such as ear infections and tummy issues, which keeps babies out of the pediatricians’ office and keeps moms from having extra co-pays.
- Helps the environment as fewer natural resources such as plastic bottles, nipples and formula cans are used by breastfeeding moms.
- This food is always available during an emergency. Valley moms do not need electricity or water to feed newborns. If a monsoon or a brush fire were to knock out power, Valley moms have all they need. Breast milk is always ready
- And how breastfeeding saves lives by sharing the stories of Emilee and Ashlee, examples of how the nutrients found in breast milk, can help the tiniest and most vulnerable babies overcome a rough start and get them on the road to a healthy life.
About Banner Thunderbird Medical Center
Banner Thunderbird Medical Center, part of Banner Health—a nonprofit health system with 22 hospitals throughout the West—is a 409-bed acute-care hospital featuring a behavioral health center, children’s center and dedicated outpatient center.
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