Rutgers Medical Expert Available to Discuss How New Jersey’s New Breast Milk Law Improves Infant Health and Can Reduce SIDS
A Rutgers medical expert is available to discuss the health impact of the New Jersey’s new law requiring insurance companies to cover breast milk from a human milk bank for infants under 6 months, when prescribed by a physician.
“Requiring health insurers to cover breast milk will make a positive impact on infant health in New Jersey,” said Thomas Hegyi, co-medical director of the SIDS Center of New Jersey and professor of pediatrics at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
“Breast milk has a vast number of health and nutritional benefits, such as antibodies to help fight off viruses and bacteria, and a nearly optimal mix of vitamins. It is more easily digestible than baby formula and lowers a baby’s risk of having asthma or allergies. Studies have shown that they have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses and instances of diarrhea. Breast milk also has been demonstrated to reduce the incidence and risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, recommend breastfeeding exclusively (no formula, juice, or water) for a baby’s first six months.
Hegyi can be reached at 732.235.8958 or [email protected].
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