CHENANGO COUNTY – The theme for world breastfeeding week this year is “Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all.”

This year’s theme will focus on improving breastfeeding support to reduce inequalities in our society and breastfeeding in emergencies and crises. Efforts must be made to ensure everyone has access to breastfeeding support and opportunities. No one must be left behind, especially vulnerable mothers who may need additional support to reach their breastfeeding goals.

World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every year from August 1-7 all over the globe to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies around the world.

Exclusively breastfeeding infants for the first six months after birth with continued breastfeeding for at least twelve months ensures that both mothers and infants receive the maximum health benefits. Breast milk is physiologically tailored to meet the needs of infants’ maturing digestive systems, ensuring proper growth and development. Breast milk contains antibodies that help your baby  fight off viruses and bacteria, prevent various acute and chronic diseases, and promote optimal growth and development.

The Breastfeeding Partners of Chenango County Coalition are working together to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding in Chenango County. The partnership’s goal is to inform the community that breastfeeding is more than just food. It provides the best start for babies and is an essential part of overall health that lasts a lifetime. To celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, the Partnership members will be doing the following activities in Chenango County to support World Breastfeeding Week:

The Chenango County WIC program will kick off the week with an informational table about Breastfeeding at Music in the Park during the Summer Concert Series in East Park in Norwich on Thursday, August 1st, 2024, from 6-8 pm. They will also have information about services provided by the Chenango County WIC Program. Stop by and visit with the WIC and Public Health staff during this event.

Chenango County Public Health Nursing and the Breastfeeding Partnership Coalition will host a table at Colorscape on September 7th and 8th and have an art project planned for children. Look for their tent near the library in Non-Profit Row during this event.

According to The World Breast Feeding Alliance and Action,  "Counseling, education, immediate support at delivery and lactation management can increase exclusive breastfeeding by almost 50%." Lack of breastfeeding support during the critical 1st  week negatively affects the overall breastfeeding intentions and prevalence. Investment in breastfeeding to address inequalities is vital and can help alleviate social inequalities. Protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding addresses inequalities that stand in the way of sustainable development. 

Chenango Memorial Hospital's Maternity Department wants to remind families that they are available to assist and support breastfeeding moms before the birth of the newborn, during their hospital stay, and after their families go home. Please don't hesitate to contact the lactation team at 607-337-4145. They can help with breastfeeding-related issues such as:

Assisting with latching difficulties.

Assisting with low milk production.

Education and support regarding oversupply, engorgement, or plugged milk ducts.

Assisting with nipple pain or injury.

Assisting with feeding twins/multiples.

Education regarding weaning from breastfeeding.

Pumping and/or returning to work.

Breastfeeding is the best and optimal way to provide infants with the nutrients they need. Breastmilk is also free and convenient. One of the best decisions a mother can make to protect her own health and the health of her infant is to breastfeed. As a community, we can promote, protect, and support breastfeeding.

For more information about World Breastfeeding Week, please visit: www.cdcc.gov/breastfeeding/

- Information from the Chenango County Health Department