August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month, and World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) will be celebrated Aug. 1-7 this year. Breastfeeding has many known health benefits for mother and baby and is widely accepted as an effective strategy to promote positive health outcomes for both mothers and their babies.
Research suggests that breastfeeding is a key factor in reducing risk of disease for both mothers and infants, including respiratory illness, ear infections, allergies, and some cancers. A woman’s early experience with breastfeeding can affect whether and how long she continues to breastfeed, and providing support at every level can help reduce barriers to breastfeeding.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth. Furthermore, the AAP supports continued breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods introduced at about 6 months, as long as mutually desired by mother and child for 2 years or beyond.
Communities and related programs play a vital role in helping women reach these breastfeeding recommendations by providing education and support at the most crucial times in the perinatal period.
Black Breastfeeding Luncheon
The EveryOne Reach One Maternal and Infant Vitality Task Force is celebrating the benefits of breastfeeding during a Black Breastfeeding Luncheon being held Saturday, August 27 from Noon to 3:30 pm at Sinclair Community College.
This FREE event will feature the documentary film “Chocolate Milk” which explores the racial divide in breastfeeding and seeks to answer the longstanding question of why more African American women are not breastfeeding.
- FREE Lunch & Parking
- Door Prizes & Valuable Resources
- Learn from Health Educators
- Have Fun & Connect with Other Breastfeeding Moms
Public Health – Dayton & Montgomery County’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program offers breastfeeding support to Montgomery County families by providing prenatal education as well as appointments with lactation professionals.
For more information about breastfeeding, call Public Health’s WIC Program at 937-225-6166.
