Mark A. McDonnell, RS, MS, Health Commissioner

Robert P. Dillaplain, MD, Medical Director

 

 

News Release

For Immediate Release                 Contact: Sara T. Pappa, Public Information Officer

August 13, 2008                              (937) 374-5662 or toll-free at 1(866) 858-3588

 

Greene County Combined Health District

WIC Program Celebrates Breastfeeding Awareness Month with Walk

 

The Greene County Combined Health District (GCCHD) WIC Program will hold a Breastfeeding Awareness Month walk at The Fairfield Commons Mall on Thursday, August 28th at 1:00 PM. There is no cost to participate in the walk, but pre-registration is requested.

 

Breastfeeding Awareness Month is held every August in Ohio to highlight the benefits to society when mothers breastfeed.  This includes infants having a 20-30% reduced risk of developing obesity, a reduced risk of developing juvenile and Type II diabetes and an average increase of 6 points in IQ compared to formula fed infants. Besides not having to purchase formula, families can experience greatly decreased health care costs compared with formula fed babies: $4,000 vs. $68,000 in a six-month period for a matched group of babies.

 

The walk also highlights the ways that breastfeeding can be supported. Hospitals can institute policies and procedures that contribute to breastfeeding success at birth and beyond. Employers can provide the space and time for their employees to pump and store their milk after returning to work. Retailers can recognize that Ohio law states that “a mother is entitled to breastfeed her baby in any location of public accommodation wherein the mother is otherwise permitted to be.”

 

The breastfeeding walk is free and open to the public, but an RSVP is requested. Breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women, along with their families and friends are welcome to attend. In addition to walking the perimeter of the mall, the event will include refreshments, door prizes, and information about breastfeeding. Door prizes have been donated by the following businesses: Abuelo’s Restaurant, bd’s Mongolian Grill, Books & Co., The Cheesecake Factory, City Barbeque, Coldstone Creamery,  Graeter’s Ice Cream, McCormick’s & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant, Red Robin, Olive Garden, TGIFriday’s, and Waldenbooks. The event is co-sponsored by Motherhood Maternity at the Fairfield Mall.

 

For more information and to RSVP for the walk, please call the WIC Breastfeeding Staff at 374-5600 or toll-free at 866-858-3588.

 

 

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