Bottle or breast? If you are a parent you have
probably been asked this a hundred times…during your prenatal appointments,
after your child’s delivery and at those countless well child checks. It
seems rather personal though…why is everyone so interested in how you choose to
feed your baby? After working in Public Health for a few years I have learned
why so many health professionals care.
The many health
benefits associated with breastfeeding (for both mom and
baby) won me over. But, if warding off infections and diseases isn’t reason
enough, this
report found that if 90% of mothers in the United States breastfed
their children exclusively (breastmilk only) for 6 months, there would be a
savings of $13 billion per year – that’s right, $13 billion! Breastmilk is a
very low to no cost way to nourish children that improves health while reducing
health care costs. That’s a win-win-win, if you ask me.
To this end, the World Alliance for
Breastfeeding Action (WABA) coordinates the World
Breastfeeding Week campaign each year during the first week in August
to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies around the world. Partners
of The Clinton
County Breastfeeding Coalition are joining in on the
fun by hosting family friendly events. I am looking forward to bringing my
little one and hope to see some of you too!
- Friday, August 3rd – Stop by the Breastfeeding Block Party at the US Oval in Plattsburgh between 5:00pm and 7:00pm. The whole family is invited to attend. There will be outdoor play, snacks and giveaways. If it’s raining you are welcome to do a rain dance or join the party indoors at Family Connections on the Oval. This event is hosted by the Child Care Coordinating Council of the North Country and WIC. For more information call 518-561-4999.
- Saturday, August 4th – Be a part of the 2018 Big Latch On! Registration begins at 10:00am on The University of Vermont Health Network Champlain Valley Physician’s Hospital (CVPH) front lawn with the ‘latch’ taking place at 10:30am, sharp! There will be light refreshments, information, prizes, and a free 5x7 family photo! If it’s raining the latch will take place in the lobby. This event is hosted by the University of Vermont Health Network CVPH. For more information call 518-562-7142.
- Tuesday, August 7th - Tune into WIRY 1340 AM or 100.7 FM at 11:00am to hear what is happening around breastfeeding in our community.
Can’t make it to either of these events but really
want to connect with other moms and families? Drop by Nature’s
Way Baby Café® located at the Plattsburgh House of Prayer
at 63 Broad Street. It’s a relaxed environment for families to share, support
and learn. Lactation professionals are on site to answer any
breastfeeding-related questions that come up, at no cost to you! I almost
forgot to mention…there are free snacks 😀 The café is
open:
- Second Tuesday of each month from 9:30am to 11:30am and
- Fourth Thursday of each month from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.
There is a TON happening around breastfeeding in
Clinton County (and surrounding counties) from coalitions
to Baby
Cafés® to data
collection and Breastfeeding
Friendly worksites,
childcare
sites, health
care providers, and restaurants. Need breastfeeding
support? Check out the Clinton
County Breastfeeding Resource Guide.
Happy World Breastfeeding Week!
KayLeigh Raville, RD, CDN, CLC
Public Health Nutritionist
