New Lactation Rooms Highlight National Breast Feeding Month
August is National Breastfeeding Month, and with nine new breastfeeding rooms available in public places, mothers have reason to celebrate.
The breastfeeding rooms were developed during the last three years thanks to funding from the Catholic Health Initiative. Under the project, all of the organizations were provided technical assistance and training opportunities about creating the rooms. Limited funding was provided for the essential items needed to stock the lactation rooms.
The honor roll includes: the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce at two locations; the University of Nebraska Extension office; the Douglas County Health Department; Educare of Omaha at two locations; Wellness Council of the Midlands; the Omaha Public Schools Teacher Administration Center; and First State Bank and Trust in Fremont.
The Douglas County Health Department will mark National Breastfeeding Month by hosting “Baby Showers” at the WIC clinics.
Each Friday one of our four main WIC clinics, mothers will have a chance to learn valuable information and receive helpful gifts. The Baby Showers are scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. on Aug. 10 at Charles Drew WIC, 30th and Grant streets; Aug. 17, 120th and West Dodge Road; and Aug. 31, One World Health Center in South Omaha.
“We know breastfeeding enhances bonding and is good for the mother and the child,” said Mary Balluff, Douglas County Health Department Division Chief for Community Health
and Nutrition. “It’s the most natural thing in the world, and we hope the number of mothers who decide to breastfeed will continue to grow.
Research shows that the best feeding option is the initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of life, exclusive breastfeeding for a full six months and continued breastfeeding through the first year. Breastfeeding improves short and long term maternal and child health.
Please visit http://www.usbreastfeeding.org for more information on National Breastfeeding Month.