(Ithaca, N.Y., August 1, 2024) – Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) announces World Breastfeeding Week (August 1st–7th), an annual celebration of the positive impacts of breastfeeding. World Breastfeeding Week aims to normalize breastfeeding and advocates for support of breastfeeding parents by workplaces, public businesses, healthcare providers and partners, family members and friends.
Breastfeeding is more than just a highly nutritious option for infants. Breastfeeding can help protect babies against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases. Breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfed babies are also less likely to have ear infections and stomach bugs. Breastmilk contains antibodies help babies develop a strong immune system and protect them from illnesses.
Breastfeeding also provides benefits for the person who is breastfeeding, such as lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months, with continued breastfeeding along with introducing appropriate complementary foods for up to 2 years of age or longer.
TCWH is proud to employee multiple certified lactation counselors (CLCs) in our Community Health Services division, as well as an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, the highest distinction in lactation counseling training. Our CLCs and IBCLCs are registered nurses in our MOMS Plus+ program as well as nutritionists in our Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. CLCs provide support and counseling for those who are breastfeeding, which can help to increase the length of time a person is able to breastfeed for, allowing for their infant to receive a longer health benefit.
TCWH staff will be celebrating World Breastfeeding Week at a community event to be held on Tuesday, August 6th at Dewitt Park (102 E. Court St., Ithaca), from 11am-2pm during the Tuesday Ithaca Farmers Market. We invite everyone to come learn more about breastfeeding, receive information about TCWH services, and more.
For additional information about related services and programs, visit our website pages for MOMS Plus+ and WIC.
Tompkins County Whole Health envisions a future where every person in Tompkins County can achieve wellness. Find us online at TompkinsCountyNY.gov/health, and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/TompkinsWholeHealth and on Twitter at @TCWholeHealth. Get Whole Health updates or other county announcements via email or text, sign up here.
Media contact: Shannon Alvord, salvord@tompkins-co.org
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