Hilltown Families 
Western MA Events for World Breastfeeding Week
World Breastfeeding Week in Western MA
Research shows that the best feeding option globally is the initiation of breastfeeding within the first half hour of life, exclusive breastfeeding for a full six months, and continued breastfeeding through the second year or beyond. Breastfeeding improves short and long term maternal and child health. For local breastfeeding resources, visit the Pioneer Valley Breastfeeding Task Force at http://www.valleybreastfeeding.o
The week of August 1st, breastfeeding advocates all over the world will be celebrating World Breastfeeding Week for the 19th year with the theme “Breastfeeding: Just 10 Steps. The Baby-Friendly Way.”
Below is a list of breastfeeding events happening in the Pioneer Valley, along with ten steps the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action states every facility providing maternity services and care for newborn infants should follow to support successful breastfeeding.
EVENTS IN WESTERN MA
There are several events happening to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week in Western MA:
Monday, August 2nd in Springfield, MA
The Springfield North WIC program will hold an event for World Breastfeeding Week on August 2nd at 10am at Court Square, Springfield City Hall. There will be giveaways, snacks, information about the Springfield North breastfeeding peer counselors program.Monday, August 2nd in Amherst, MA
World Breastfeeding Week will be celebrated on Monday August 2nd at 3pm on the North Common in Amherst (the tree-shaded common on North Pleasant Street that is right in front of Town Hall). The event will be a gathering to bring awareness to World Breastfeeding Week through information and conversation.Tuesday, August 3rd in Springfield, MA
The Family Life Center at Mercy Medical Center, Springfield, will hold a World Breastfeeding Week event, from 6:30-8:30 pm in the Family Life Center Lobby. Come and meet Stacy Rubin, IBCLC, author of “The ABC’s of Breastfeeding: Everything a Mom Needs to Know for a Happy Nursing Experience.” Books will be available for purchase and signing. There will be free breastfeeding information, 10 percent off all Medela and Ameda breast pumps, and supplies. Maternity bra fitting clinic for Bravado and Medela bras – no appointment needed. For more information, please call 413-748-7295.Wednesday, August 4th in Northampton, MA
Cooley Dickinson Hospital will be holding a World Breastfeeding Week event on August 4th from 2-4pm in the main lobby. There will be informational tables, a display of past infant feeding devices, and a raffle.
10 STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL BREASTFEEDING
Research shows that the best feeding option globally is the initiation of breastfeeding within the first half hour of life, exclusive breastfeeding for a full six months and continued breastfeeding through the second year or beyond. Every facility providing maternity services and care for newborn infants should:
- Have a written breastfeeding policy that is routinely communicated to all health care staff.
- Train all health care staff in skills necessary to implement this policy.
- Inform all pregnant mothers about the benefits and management of breastfeeding.
- Help mothers initiate breastfeeding within a half-hour of birth.
- Show mothers how to breastfeed, and how to maintain lactation even if they should be separated from their infants.
- Give newborn infants no food or drink other than breastmilk unless medically indicated.
- Practice rooming-in – allow mothers and infants to remain together – 24 hours a day.
- Encourage breastfeeding on demand.
- Give no artificial teats or pacifiers (also called dummies or soothers) to breastfeeding infants.
- Foster the establishment of breastfeeding support groups and refer mothers to them on discharge from the hospital or clinic.
August 6th from 10am – 1pm Berkshire County will be hosting their World Breastfeeding Week Celebration at Whitney’s Farm, RT 8 Cheshire MA.
Please come and enjoy this fun celebration with is always a fun and informative time.