MIDDLEBURY — In honor of World Breastfeeding Week, the Addison County community and local businesses will be celebrating breastfeeding during the whole month of August. This year the theme is “Sustaining Breastfeeding Together.”
The Vermont Department of Health encourages breastfeeding, and supports nursing mothers through educational programs and initiatives. The Local Health Office in Middlebury works one-on-one with new moms through breastfeeding classes and at its WIC clinics. The department also helps local businesses become Breastfeeding Friendly Employers.
Other community supports for breastfeeding include nurses and lactation consultants at Porter Medical Center and through La Leche League.
The following will be presented in conjunction with World Breastfeeding Week:
The Big Latch On — Saturday, Aug. 5, from 9:30-11 a.m. at the Middlebury Recreation Field near Mary Hogan Elementary School. Nursing mothers and their infants will gather to join breastfeeders worldwide for “The Big Latch On” in support of breastfeeding. Look for the pink tent and enjoy snacks and fun activities with your family. There will be a count taken at 10:30 a.m. In 2016, there were nearly 18,000 “latched on” children during this event worldwide.
Learn more about The Big Latch On online at biglatchon.org.
Breastfeeding at Addison County Field Days — From Aug. 8-12 join your neighbors at the biggest agricultural fair in the state. Check out the newly constructed Infant Comfort Station near the restrooms for a quick break to breastfeed your baby in a cool space.
Social Media Raises Awareness — The Middlebury Local Health Office Facebook page will be sharing positive photos of breastfeeding women during World Breastfeeding Week, which will show a healthy aspect of the lives of women and infants. Look for, like, comment and share on the Facebook page. Also, follow World Breastfeeding Week on Twitter: #WBW2017.