Harris County Public Health Encourages New Mothers to Breastfeed
In observance of August as National Breastfeeding Month, and World Breastfeeding Week Aug. 1-7, the Harris County Public Health (HCPH) Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program will host two special events to protect, promote and support the rights of women who breastfeed their children.
Mothers of infants, expectant mothers and their families are invited to participate in the Global Big Latch On at two Harris County WIC centers. During Latch On activities, women will gather to “latch on” (breastfeed) their children at a set time, and learn why breastfeeding offers health benefits to both the mother and infant. Lactation specialists will be available to answer questions in English and Spanish. They will help dispel myths about breastfeeding, explain a mother’s right to breastfeed in the workplace and other public areas, and explain why it makes sense for families and communities to support breastfeeding mothers.
When: Friday, August 4, 2017
Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Two (2) locations:
Shaver WIC Center Cypress Station WIC Center
152 Fairmont Parkway 221 FM 1960 West, Suite A
Pasadena, Texas 77504 Houston, Texas 77090
The events are open to the public. Refreshments, health information booths and door prizes will be provided.
Additionally, on Thursday, Aug. 3 at 11 a.m., HCPH will host an interactive Latch On social media chat.
People will be able to post questions or find information by following the discussion on the public health Facebook, Twitter @HCPHTX and Instagram accounts and by using the hashtags #HCPHTX , #ForEveryChild, #WBW2017, #NBM17.
“As a mother and a health advocate, I want to encourage all mothers to make breastfeeding a normal part of their day-to-day routine whenever possible, said Gwen J. Sims, MEd, RDN, LD., HCPH Nutrition and Chronic Disease Prevention Division Director. “Breastfeeding provides an opportunity for mothers to bond with their babies, may help prevent serious illnesses in infants, and promote better physical and mental development and productivity later in life.”
Additional information about breastfeeding is available online at HCPH Breastfeeding Resources.