Local coalition celebrates World Breastfeeding Week to garner support
The East Tennessee Breastfeeding Coalition (ETBC) will host the fifth annual World Breastfeeding Week kick-off Friday, July 31 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave. Breastfeeding mothers, moms-to-be and breastfeeding-friendly businesses are encouraged to attend the free event.
In addition to informational booths, activities include:
- The Big Latch On – An opportunity for local moms to participate in the international Big Latch On, where moms from around the world meet at registered locations to breastfeed their children at the same time. To participate, mothers should arrive at Ijams Nature Center on July 31 at 10 a.m. The Big Latch On takes place at 10:30 a.m.
- Marcie Singleton Award Announcement – A tireless advocate for mothers' rights to breastfeed, Marcie Singleton was the nutrition director and breastfeeding coordinator for the Knox County Health Department’s Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. Each year, the award is given to a business or individual who goes above and beyond to promote and/or be supportive of breastfeeding.
- Breastfeeding Welcomed Here – Participants will also have the opportunity to learn more about the Breastfeeding Welcomed Here Pledge as well as the businesses that have signed on.
Click here to read more about why it?s important for businesses to support breastfeeding mothers
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity affects 1 in 6 children and adolescents in the U.S. A baby's risk of becoming an overweight child goes down with each month of breastfeeding. In addition, a study published in 2010 in the journal Pediatrics estimated that the nation would save $13 billion per year in health care and other costs if 90 percent of U.S. babies were exclusively breastfed for six months.
The July 31 event is sponsored by the East Tennessee Breastfeeding Coalition, Knox County Health Department, Knox County WIC Program, Lisa Ross Birth and Women's Center, and The Breastfeeding Center at Lisa Ross. For more information, call WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator Robin Ferguson at 865-215-5060.
