(Wampsville, NY – July 2014) The Madison County Healthy Start Partnership, led by the Madison County Health Department, is celebrating World Breastfeeding Week, Aug. 1-7 with a special event on Aug. 1. This year’s theme, “Breastfeeding: A Winning Goal for Life!” stresses the importance of increasing and sustaining the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding contributes to the normal growth and development of babies and reduces respiratory illnesses and ear infections. Mothers who breastfeed and who are employed outside the home have fewer lost days from work due to the infant’s illnesses. The benefits of breastfeeding to the mother include faster weight loss in the early post-delivery period, and protection from premenopausal breast cancer, osteoporosis, and certain types of ovarian cancer.
Even when mothers are able to get off to a good start, all too often in the weeks or months after delivery there is a sharp decline in breastfeeding rates and practices, particularly exclusive breastfeeding. Breastfeeding Connections and Breastfeeding Connection Café in Oneida is a place for breastfeeding and pregnant families to get professional breastfeeding support, talk with other moms, check baby’s weight and milk intake, and connect to community resources. We can help.
Breastfeeding Connections, a baby weigh station at 607 Seneca Ave. in Oneida, is the site of a special celebration on Friday, Aug.1 from 1 to 3 p.m. New or expectant moms and their guests are invited to attend. Lunch, mini massages, and goodie bags will be provided by Healthy Start Partnership members, including WIC, CAP, Oneida Healthcare Center, Child Care Council of CCE, and Madison County Health Department.
“The key to best breastfeeding practices is continued day-to-day support for the breastfeeding mother within her home and community,” said Cheryl Geiler with Madison County Health Department and Chair of the Healthy Start Partnership. “Join us in celebrating World Breastfeeding Week. Young children are welcome to accompany you.”
For more information on World Breastfeeding Week, visit www.worldbreastfeedingweek.org/.
For more information on Healthy Start Partnership or the Breastfeeding Connections, visit www.healthymadisoncounty.org or call the Madison County Health Department at 366-2848.