HEALTH DEPARTMENT CELEBRATES NATIONAL BREASTFEEDING AWARENESS MONTH

New City, NY, - Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert announced that Rockland County will celebrate National Breastfeeding Awareness Month with an event in August; during World Breastfeeding Week, August 1-7.

Join the Rockland breastfeeding community on Saturday, August 1, for the "Global VIRTUAL Big Latch On" free event: 10:00 am EST to 11:00 am EST (actual latch time approximately 10:30 am EST) via Zoom Healthcare, hosted by Montefiore Nyack Hospital, in partnership with the Rockland Baby Café and Rockland County Breastfeeding Coalition. Pre-registration required by 7/31/2020 at https://biglatchon.org/apps/location-detail/?location_id=3712. Event details will be provided via email to registered participants and Zoom Meeting IDs will be shared with registered participants only. All registrants will be entered to win free raffle prizes. For more event information, call 845-348-7505.

The "Global VIRTUAL Big Latch-On" events normally occur at registered locations around the world, where people come together to breastfeed and support each other. During these challenging times, all events will be virtual, online get-togethers. This free, community event is a celebration of all manners of breastfeeding, chestfeeding, and providing breastmilk.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby's life, followed by breastfeeding in combination with the introduction of solid foods until at least 12 months of age, and continuation of breastfeeding for as long as mutually desired by mother and baby. Breastmilk provides essential nutrients and antibodies that boost an infant's immune system, protecting from childhood illnesses. Babies who are not breastfed are more likely to develop common childhood illnesses like ear infections and diarrhea, as well as chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, asthma, and childhood obesity.

"The proven health benefits from breastfeeding make it important for us to work together to help reduce barriers that breastfeeding mothers face and create a culture in the community where women feel comfortable and empowered to breastfeed their babies. National Breastfeeding Awareness Month is a perfect time to join activities that promote, protect, and support breastfeeding," said Dr. Ruppert.

Interested in becoming a breastfeeding-friendly worksite, childcare center/home, pediatric or obstetric practice? Interested in joining the Rockland County Breastfeeding Coalition? Call the Health Department's Breastfeeding Promotion and Support Program at 845-364-3786, email messingl@co.rockland.ny.us, or visit http://rcklnd.us/breastfeeding. For more information about National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, World Breastfeeding Week and Black Breastfeeding Week, visit http://www.usbreastfeeding.org/NBM,
http://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/ and http://blackbreastfeedingweek.org/.