FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August Proclaimed Breastfeeding Month in Skagit County
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On July 11, 2023, the Skagit Board of County Commissioners signed a proclamation officially designating August as Breastfeeding Month in Skagit County. The Lactation Coalition of Skagit County delivered a presentation during the proclamation hearing highlighting the health benefits of breastfeeding for both baby and parent while also calling attention to barriers in our community that may impede a parent?s breastfeeding journey.
Breastfeeding has many known health benefits for infants, children, and birthing parents and is a key strategy for improving public health. According to the National Association of County and City Health Officials and the United States Breastfeeding Committee, human milk is the ideal first food uniquely suited for infants? optimal growth and development. Breastfeeding has a substantial impact on the birthing persons? health, which makes lactation support critical for improving community health. From greater immunity to infection, reduction of incidence of infant mortality and SIDS, and greater bonding and attachment between baby and parent, there are many incredible reasons for a caregiver to provide their infant with human milk.
?Many parents in Washington State don?t have the support they need to breastfeed or provide human milk for their infants for as long as they would like to,? said Jennifer Sass-Walton, Skagit County Public Health Prevention and Community Health Manager. ?The Coalition is working to promote better early access to lactation support, lactation-friendly workplaces, and family leave policies.?
On December 29, 2022, President Biden signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 into law. This bill included the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act), which extends the right to break time and a private space to express breast milk for their nursing child at work to most employees. At the proclamation hearing, Teri Shilling, Chair of the Lactation Coalition of Skagit County, discussed the obstacles many parents face when attempting to continue breastfeeding after returning to work and talked about how one of the ways employers can support new mothers is to provide a private pumping area at work. Faith McKeen, a pharmacist at Island Health, also testified at the hearing and reiterated how important the availability of a lactation space was when she needed to pump at work for both of her young children.
During the proclamation hearing, Commissioner Janicki stated, ?I had five children, and it?s challenging [?]. We?ve had different nursing mothers here who have utilized converted offices or conference room space. It doesn?t have to be perfect; it just has to be private, and the culture at work supportive.?
Individualized support in the first few hours and days is critical to help parents meet their breastfeeding goals. But support cannot end here. In order for parents to navigate the potential challenges of breastfeeding and child nutrition, a network of equitable community supports and policies must be in place to ensure prolonged success.
Are you pregnant, preparing for a baby, or looking for support on your infant feeding journey? Attend the ?Empowering Parents? event on August 16, 2023, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Children?s Museum of Skagit County. This event, sponsored by Amerigroup and other local partners, will provide breastfeeding and infant support and education, resources for new and expecting parents, information about car seat safety and insurance benefits, prizes, and more.
For a list of additional local resources, including classes, support groups, clinics, and lactation consultants, visit https://skagitbreastfeeding.org/resources. For more information about the Skagit County Breastfeeding Coalition, visit https://skagitbreastfeeding.org or call Skagit County Public Health at (360) 416-1500.
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