Vermont celebrates World Breastfeeding Week

Events in Brattleboro, Springfield and White River Junction to support infant health

As part of World Breastfeeding Week, August 1-7, the Brattleboro, Springfield and White River Junction communities will come together to honor breastfeeding, chestfeeding and lactation. The annual global celebration will highlight the international theme of “Protect Breastfeeding, a Shared Responsibility”— emphasizing the idea that all of us play a role in protecting and nurturing young families.

The Vermont Department of Health supports and encourages breastfeeding because of its important health benefits for both the person who is lactating and the baby. Data has shown that for adults, breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancers and postpartum depression. In addition to the important nutrition and growth benefits, babies who breastfeed have improved cognitive development and a reduced risk for chronic diseases. Breastfeeding also offers important bonding opportunities for both.

“Reflecting on this year’s theme of shared responsibility for breastfeeding, it’s important to consider the different and sometimes subtle ways each of us can support breastfeeding, and to help counter stigma and disapproval,” said Deb Kitzmiller, a public health nurse with the department’s Brattleboro Local Health Office.

“From a public health perspective, breastfeeding is a natural and highly beneficial part of a baby’s early life,” Kitzmiller said. “As a society, families may need extra encouragement and support as they parent their babies and young children. This includes support for feeding choices and logistics, work schedules and more. As individuals, employers, and as a state, we can all contribute to the wellbeing of our youngest community members.”

The Brattleboro, Springfield, and White River Junction local health teams also work with employers to create breastfeeding-friendly workplaces and support Vermonters through the WIC program. To learn more about our full range of local health services, visit: healthvermont.gov/local.

Here’s what is planned for World Breastfeeding Week:

  • The Big Latch On – Friday, August 6 from 10:30-11:30 am, Saturday August 7 from 10:30-11:30 am, and Sunday, August 8 from 10:30-11:30 am. Join us to meet other breastfeeding/lactating parents for a virtual Latch On – and take part in the official worldwide count at 11:00 am! Participants will automatically be entered to win prizes. Bring your questions, as lactation consultants have been invited as well.

Participants need to register for the Latch On they would like to attend through the Facebook event for that date, which you can find at The Vermont Department of Health- Brattleboro, Springfield, or White River Junction Facebook pages, or call 802-257-2880 for more information. Learn more at biglatchon.org

  • Social Media – As part of this campaign, the Brattleboro, Springfield, and White River Junction Local Health Offices will share photos on their Facebook pages of breastfeeding and chestfeeding folks. Please look for these, like, comment and share! To submit your own photo (recent or past) email [email protected]. Look for posts at the Facebook pages linked above. Follow World Breastfeeding Week on Twitter: #WBW2021.

For information about breastfeeding, visit healthvermont.gov/breastfeeding

Learn more about the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action: waba.org.my

Find the Local Health Office that serves your community: healthvermont.gov/local

About the Department of Health

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