Healthy Start Coalition Celebrates National Breastfeeding Awareness Month

BRADENTON – The Healthy Start Coalition of Manatee County, Inc. will recognize National Breastfeeding Awareness Month throughout August with the following activities/events, which are open to the public:

• Acceptance of the National Breastfeeding Month Proclamation from the Manatee County Commission on Tuesday, August 7 at 9 a.m. at the Commission Chambers, 1112 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton

• Acceptance of the National Breastfeeding Month Proclamation from the Bradenton City Council on Wednesday, August 15 at 8:30 a.m.  at city hall, 101 Old Main Street, Bradenton

• Community-wide celebration on Wednesday, August 29 at 2:00 p.m. at Healthy Start’s new offices, 410 43rd Street West, Suite N, Bradenton

Launched in 2011 by the United States Breastfeeding Committee, the awareness campaign is now celebrated nationally every August, through the US Department of Health and Human Services, and aims to highlight mounting research that substantiates the benefits of breastfeeding for infants. Research indicates, for example, that breastfed babies are less likely to develop respiratory illnesses and ear infections, as well as childhood obesity later in life.

As a maternal and infant health focused organization serving pregnant women, new mothers and their families, Healthy Start Manatee is committed to empowering its clients with information and tools to help them make informed decisions related to the health and well being of their families.  Healthy Start offers breastfeeding education and counseling for new moms and dads, who play an important role in fostering a supportive environment for mothers to breastfeed their babies.

Manatee County moms, infants, and their families are invited to participate in Healthy Start’s free celebration of Breastfeeding Awareness Month on August 29, where they will enjoy refreshments and door prizes and obtain information regarding breastfeeding, as well as related health topics.

Healthy Start Manatee is a community coalition dedicated to enhancing maternal and infant health care.  Since its inception in 1992, its goal has been to ensure women’s and infants’ access to prenatal and pediatric care, as well as to promote healthy birth outcomes, positive parenting, and optimal child development.  For more information, visit www.hsmanatee.com.