 Event recognizes World Breastfeeding Week, Aug. 1-7 By: Jennifer Bassett WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator Galveston County Health District Breastmilk is the perfect food for babies, offering protection from illness while meeting their growing needs. And often, providing that nourishment to your baby can make moms feel like the superheroes they truly are. Galveston County Health District’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program is excited to celebrate our super moms in honor of World Breastfeeding Week, recognized Aug. 1-7. WIC will host a Super Breastfeeding Extravaganza on Wednesday, Aug. 7 10 a.m.-1 p.m. This free event will include games, prizes, face painting, balloons, snacks and more. We will also have information about Black Breastfeeding Week, observed Aug. 26-30, including the disparities black women face medically and barriers to breastfeeding. World Breastfeeding Week is a time for us to celebrate our breastfeeding moms in the community and with this event, we’re not only celebrating our super moms, but also their super supportive sidekicks. This event is open to the public. Moms who are breastfeeding now, have breastfed in the past and moms who are expecting are all welcome, as well as their support systems. Bring your babies and kids along to enjoy the fun while you get to learn more about WIC programs and visit with other moms. Super Breastfeeding Extravaganza will take place in the Texas City WIC classroom, 9850-B Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, Suite B-101. World Breastfeeding Week is a chance for WIC to highlight many of the resources available to breastfeeding mothers. Mother’s Milk Club When it comes to a mom’s breastfeeding journey, the best advice and support often comes from other moms. The Mother’s Milk Club is open to everyone, not just WIC clients. Our meetings cover topics like benefits of skin-to-skin contact, the important role of dads during breastfeeding, milk supply, breastfeeding in public and most importantly, confidence in your abilities to provide for your baby. Our clubs meet in Dickinson, Texas City and Galveston. 24/7 breastfeeding support line Breastfeeding mothers who have questions may contact the 24/7 breastfeeding support line and speak to an expert for advice. Counselors are passionate and dedicated to ensure breastfeeding concerns are promptly resolved. The number is 409-392-7120. Callers do not have to be a WIC client to call the line. Breastfeeding community partnerships WIC has teamed up with many of the area hospitals in Galveston County to provide information for new moms to find continued breastfeeding help after they are discharged and to help provide hospital grade pumps for mothers of medically fragile babies. We have also been working with several community partners to teach breastfeeding classes at their organizations to help ensure we have more moms feeling confident in their breastfeeding journeys. Breastfeeding helps prevent hunger and malnutrition and ensures that all babies have food, no matter the household income. Research shows that breastfed babies have lower risks of asthma, obesity, ear infections, eczema, diarrhea and vomiting, lower respiratory infections, Type 2 diabetes and more, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. There’s also benefits to the mother, including a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes, certain types of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. WIC is here to help. Call 409-949-3471 or visit www.gchd.org/wic for information on WIC resources. Jennifer Bassett is the WIC breastfeeding coordinator for Galveston County Health District Public Health Services · Coastal Health & Wellness · Emergency Medical Services · Animal Resource Center The Galveston County Health District (GCHD) is the local public health agency for Galveston County, Texas. GCHD provides services and programs that protect the everyday health and well-being of Galveston County. P.O. Box 939 La Marque, Texas 77568 • (409) 938-7221 www.gchd.org
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