Elly Grimm, a leader at the Leader & Times, recently highlighted the importance of breastfeeding in the community, particularly during World Breastfeeding Week. This annual event, celebrated from August 1st to 7th, aims to raise awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding and promote its normalization. The theme for this year’s World Breastfeeding Week is ‚Breastfeeding Support For All,‘ emphasizing the need for support for all women in their breastfeeding journey.
Seward County’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) staff, led by nurse Tammie Thompson, has been actively involved in spreading awareness about breastfeeding. Thompson, who is also an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), provides valuable support and guidance to mothers who may be facing challenges with breastfeeding. Alongside Thompson, Lilia Perez, a breastfeeding peer counselor, offers assistance to mothers by providing educational materials and answering any questions they may have.
Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits to both the baby and mother. Breastmilk contains essential antibodies, hormones, and growth components that cannot be replicated by formula. Babies who are breastfed are less likely to fall sick and have a reduced risk of various illnesses. For mothers, breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Despite these benefits, many mothers may have concerns or questions about breastfeeding, and it is important for them to seek support and guidance from experienced professionals like Thompson and her team.
One common concern among mothers is the perception of not producing enough milk. Thompson reassures mothers that colostrum, the initial milk produced by mothers, is rich in nutrients and provides all the necessary components for the baby’s health. Additionally, babies have small stomachs and require frequent feeding, which is a normal part of breastfeeding.
For mothers seeking assistance or information about breastfeeding, the Seward County WIC office is readily available. They cater to children from newborn to 5 years old, pregnant women, and postpartum women. By calling (620) 626-3369 or visiting their office at 1411 W. 15th Street, mothers can access the support and resources they need to navigate their breastfeeding journey successfully.
At the state level, Governor Laura Kelly recently signed a proclamation recognizing August as Kansas Breastfeeding Month. This proclamation highlights the importance of breastfeeding support for families in Kansas and emphasizes the positive impacts of breastfeeding on the health and well-being of Kansans. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition have partnered to raise awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding and promote a supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers in the state.
In conclusion, breastfeeding plays a crucial role in the health and well-being of both babies and mothers. With the support and guidance provided by organizations like the Seward County WIC office and the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition, mothers can receive the assistance they need to successfully breastfeed their children. By promoting breastfeeding awareness and creating a supportive environment, we can ensure that more mothers are empowered to make informed choices for the health of their families.