SoonerCare companion, Spring 2012

              SoonerCare Companion
Breast milk has disease-fi ghting antibodies that
can protect infants from several types of illness-es.
Mothers who breastfeed lower their risks for
some health problems, including breast cancer
and type 2 diabetes.
Keep in mind that breastfeeding is a learned
skill. It requires patience and practice. For some
women, the learning stages can be frustrat-ing
and uncomfortable. Some situations make
breastfeeding even harder, such as babies born
early or a mother’s health problems. Th e good
news is it will get easier, and support for breast-feeding
mothers is growing.
You are special because you can make the food
that is uniquely perfect for your baby. Invest the
Breastfeeding
lowers risks
for infants,
mothers
time in yourself and your baby – for your health
and for the bond that will last a lifetime.
Aft er your baby is born, these steps can help you
get started:
• Breastfeed as soon as possible aft er birth.
• Ask for an on-site lactation consultant to
help you.
• Ask the staf not to give your baby other food
or formula unless medically necessary.
• Allow your baby to stay in your hospital
room all day and night so that you can
breastfeed oft en. Or, ask the nurses to bring
your baby to you for feedings.
• Avoid using pacifi ers or artifi cial nipples so
your baby gets used to latching onto only
your breast.
Oklahoma expectant mothers and mothers of infants can receive vital health information
via text messages sent to their cell phones.
Text4baby is a free service that sends information about the developmental stage your baby
is in as well as information about fi nding health care for yourself and your unborn child.
Th e texting continues through the baby’s fi rst year with basic information and encourages
mothers to ask their doctor for more specifi c information about their child.
To sign up for the texting program, text BABY, or BEBE for Spanish language, to 511411
on your cell phone. Or to sign up online, go to text4baby.org.
This newsletter is for SoonerCare members. It will tell you about any changes or updates to
your SoonerCare benefits. It will also give you other useful news to help keep you healthy.
However, if you have specific questions about your health, please talk to your doctor.
SoonerCare Helpline
800-987-7767