EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first in a series promoting Breastfeeding Awareness Month which is observed during the month of August.
SIDNEY — “Breastfeeding: It’s a TEAM thing” is the theme for Breastfeeding Awareness Month. The month was originally started in 2011 by the United States Breastfeeding Committee. The United States Department of Agriculture has also established the first week of August as World Breastfeeding Week.
The Sidney-Shelby County Health Department is promoting the annual event during August through its WIC department. WIC, which stands for Women, Infant and Children, promotes nutrition education, breastfeeding education, support and breast pumps. It is a supplemental nutrition program which helps income eligible pregnant and breastfeeding women, women who have recently had a baby and infants and children up to the age of 5 who are at medical or nutritional risk.
Shannon Nagel, RN, WIC lactation consultant with the health department, said the health department works with moms from the time they find out they are pregnant.
“We work with the pregnant moms,” said Nagel. “They come in for a test and then they’re in the door and in our programs. We work with moms who don’t plan on nursing their infants but we still talk to them about nursing.
“I think today, people are more respectful to those who are not nursing,” said Nagel. “The attitude about breastfeeding a baby has changed. It’s an informed choice. We support the moms either way. We are a team for all our moms.”
The team atmosphere, said Nagel, comes from the lactation specialists at the health department, Wilson Health (or wherever the baby is delivered) and from family support.
“Moms are educating themselves about breastfeeding,” said Nagel. “And they’re learning to trust themselves to ask questions is something doesn’t seem right.”
The WIC department has breastfeeding peer helpers who provide support for new and expectant mothers. They provide information and advice about breastfeeding.
“We are promoting and supporting the father’s, and other support people’s, role in successful breastfeeding,” said Nagel. “Research shows if a mother’s partner is supportive of breastfeeding, she is more likely to give it a try, and continue longer.
“Our commitment extends to bringing in more people and the community to be on the mother’s breastfeeding team,” she said.
The WIC team, said Nagel, gives the moms tips for breastfeeding comfortable and discreetly even in public; ideas and plans for returning to work or school; ways to get off to a good start with breastfeeding; secrets to having plenty of breast milk for the baby; and help with concerns about breastfeeding.
They also have tips for fathers and how they can support both mom and baby. They recommend the dads learn about breastfeeding so they understand what the mom is dealing with; keep snacks and water bottles ready for mom; spend time each day with the baby doing things such as singing to them, giving them a bath and have some skin to skin time; and tell mom you’re proud of her.
“We all love it (breastfeeding),” said Nagel. “Breastfeeding moms have chosen to do this. We have the compassion to help the moms meet their goals.
“Our breastfeeding moms are supportive to their friends,” she said. “They are spreading the word about breastfeeding.
A Stroller Push will be held Saturday, Aug. 11, at 10:30 a.m. at Geib Pavilion at Tawawa Park. Moms and babies can take a stroll through the park or just relax at the pavillion. Light refreshments will be served.
The WIC department also has a Tuesday talk on its Facebook page which discusses breastfeeding and the mom’s support team. To learn more, visit www.facebook.com/Sidney-Shelby-County-Health-Department-WIC-841275539260191/.
For more information about WIC, call 937-498-4637.
WIC is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture and is administered locally by each county’s health department.
