AUGUST IS BREASTFEEDING AWARENESS MONTH

August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month in Ohio. Governor Strickland is urging all Ohioans to support breastfeeding. Ohio’s breastfeeding initiation rate is 58.5% and ranks 47^th in the nation. This year’s Breastfeeding Awareness theme, “Breastfeeding-Just 10 Steps! The Baby –Friendly Way, focuses on the ten evidence based-hospital practices that support new mother’s breastfeeding intentions. Hospitals play a vital role in the establishment of successful breastfeeding. Fulton County WIC would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank the Fulton County Health Center OB Department for the concern and care they have provided over the years to our WIC participants. We appreciate their support for our breastfeeding mothers and babies.

Health care facilities that have instituted all the 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding are certified as “Baby- Friendly” hospitals. Currently in Ohio there are three certified Baby-Friendly Hospitals-Mercy Hospital Anderson in Cincinnati, Mercy Hospital Fairfield in Fairfield, and Southview Hospital, Dayton. Breastfeeding provides better outcomes than formula feeding for both mother and baby. Exclusive breastfeeding for six months, beginning with the hospital experience, is the ideal recommended by pediatricians.

Once mothers come, they need support within the community. WIC is pleased to serve as a breastfeeding resource and welcomes breastfeeding mothers and babies to our service. Breastfeeding support is offered to all mothers regardless of WIC eligibility.

For more information about breastfeeding please call the Fulton county WIC office at 419 337-6979. Download their PDF with meeting schedules-  Breastfeeding Awareness