August is World Breastfeeding Month, and this year’s theme, Breastfeeding and Work: Let’s Make it Work!, asserts the importance of supporting working moms who are breastfeeding.
Now you may be thinking to yourself, “Why should I care about breastfeeding?” or “This doesn’t affect me?”
But wait! Do you know that there are more than 101 and counting reasons to breastfeed?
Do you know that breastfed infants have a higher IQ?
Do you know that not breastfeeding can increase a mother’s risk of ovarian and breast cancer?
Do you know formula feeding is expensive and breast milk is free?
Do you know that breastfed babies are healthier and become healthier adults?
I could go on and on but I think you get the point! Our women of Halifax County need your support.
Infant feeding is one of the most important decisions a family can make, and most women who choose to breastfeed have a specific goal in mind.
Learning how to breastfeed takes time and patience for new mothers and infants.
It is important to remember that families, friends, healthcare providers, employers, childcare providers, communities, and even the media play a crucial role in mother's overall success with reaching her breastfeeding goals. When mothers and babies can reach their breastfeeding goals, they also contribute to community prosperity, health, equity, and environmental sustainability.
Additionally, breastfeeding provides appropriate nutrition for infant growth, sets the stage for school-readiness, and contributes to a cleaner environment with less waste. As part of the World Breastfeeding Month 2015 celebration, Halifax-Northampton-Warren Counties Breastfeeding Task Force invites the community to participate in the All Aboard the Health Train event on August 15, 2015 from 9 a.m. to noon at Halifax Community College FIT Trail.
We invite everyone to enjoy a fun-filled day of face painting, healthy food tastings, kid’s play corner, and health screenings, in addition to celebrating and promoting the many benefits of breastfeeding. This road to a healthier Halifax is not one to be traveled alone. The path to successful breastfeeding begins with support of families, health care providers, government programs such as WIC, employers, and communities.
Together, all of these small contributions add up for improved health in Halifax County … Because Public Health Matters! For more information about how public health is working for you, contact HCPHS Health Department at 252-583-5021.