PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:  Aug. 1, 2016
Contact:  Tom Iovino, Communications Director (941) 748-0747 X 1212

Florida Department of Health in Manatee County and the Women, Infants, and Children ProgramCelebrate National WIC Breastfeeding Week and National Breastfeeding Awareness Month

Bradenton, FL – It’s natural, economical, improves the health of babies and forms a bond between mother and child like no other. To celebrate this special maternal bond, DOH-Manatee is recognizing August 1- 7 as National WIC Breastfeeding Week and National Breastfeeding Awareness Month.

Join WIC and DOH-Manatee staff, as well as other community agencies serving mothers and families at a National WIC Breastfeeding Week Celebration on Wednesday, Aug. 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the WIC Building, 212 Sixth Avenue E. in Bradenton.

National Breastfeeding Awareness Month empowers women to commit to breastfeeding. Research shows that babies who are exclusively breastfed for six months are less likely to develop ear infections, diarrhea and respiratory illnesses, and may be less likely to develop childhood obesity. Additionally, their risk of SIDS is reduced by as much as 50%.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) provides comprehensive assessment, education, support and referrals to equip moms and families with tools and information to begin - and maintain - lifelong healthy habits. Through its team of breastfeeding peer counselors and certified lactation counselors, WIC offers breastfeeding classes, one-on-one breastfeeding counseling, a breast pump program, and enhanced food packages for fully breastfeeding mothers. The program also offers nutrition assessment and education, as well as healthy foods for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, infants, and children up to five years old who meet the income eligibility requirements. For more information, please call WIC at (941) 741-3400.

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