Event Puts Focus on Resources for Breastfeeding Moms
 Rosalie Girard of Berkshire Nursing Families demonstrates a breast pump. |
Michelle Sylvester, community coordinator for Woman, Infants and Children (WIC) of central and Northern Berkshire County, organized the annual event that occurs across the country on the first Friday in August.
"There was a lot of good information given out today and lots of great items were donated as raffle prizes," Sylvester said. "One of our main objectives is that people become aware of the services that are available to them in this area."
Breast feeding supplies essential nutrients and antibodies, promotes bonding, saves on health care costs because breast-fed babies tend to be healthier and saves families a $1,000 or more on infant formula in the first year. In fact, the Surgeon General recommends babies be fed breast milk exclusively during their first six months.
The annual weeklong recognition is promoted by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action, a collaborative organization that promotes breast feeding and advocates for working mothers.
The event has theme each year, said Mary-Jane Sackett, lactation program coordinator at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, with this year's being "Breastfeeding in Emergencies: Ready for Everything."
"We found that in emergencies such as Hurricane Katrina and the earthquake in China, babies that were not nursing began to starve due to the lack of clean drinking water to make formula," said Sackett. "This is a definite problem."
 Listening to David Grover and the Big Bear Band. |
"We are here to expose people to breast feeding and to get the word out that this is a normal, natural part of motherhood," Girard said. "We are also here to answer any question that people may have."
For new mothers going back to work earlier than they may have planned because of the economy, organizers prepared handouts of top 10 tips for breast feeding while working that were adapted from "The Breastfeeding Book" by Martha Sears, a registered nurse, and Dr. William Sears. Recommendations included: making a commitment, simplify pumping, squeeze in as many feedings as you can, take care of yourself, and enjoy nighttime nursing as a time that to reconnect with your baby after a long day of work.
Most states have made legislative changes to protect the rights of mothers to breast feed in public places. Many at Friday's event were unaware that Massachusetts, too, has a law in place ensuring that right and stating no person or entity shall "restrict, harass, or penalize a mother" who is breast feeding her child. Civil fines up to $500 can be judged against harassers, along with court costs. The only place that is exempt from this legislation is houses of worship or places of religious instruction.
Working collaboratively to spread the information were Tapestry Health, Head Start, Northern Berkshire Healthcare and its subsidiary North Adams Regional Hospital, Mildred Elley and Western Massachusetts Electric Co.
"Our goal is to reach people that need assistance," said Kate Agin, community outreach representative for WMECO. "People need to know that there has never been this amount of [federal] stimulus money available. The money is being used to expand programs and make lives more affordable to working families."
A biodegradable bag filled with information on the earned-income credit, ways to conserve energy, Safelink Wireless, fuel assistance, WIC, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly Food Stamps), utility discounts and weatherization opportunities also were available.
Raffle prizes ranged from supermarket gift cards to diapers, car seats, baby tote bags, breast pumps, baby gift sets, beauty baskets for mom and infant toys. Susan Antil, senior nutritionist for WIC, said one of her agency's biggest obstacles is getting the word out to soon-to-be mothers that they shouldn't wait until their babies come before signing up for WIC.
"Women need to know that they can access WIC for their prenatal nutritious food supplements and not need wait until their baby is born to obtain vouchers. From the minute you think you are pregnant, you can start getting WIC until documentation from a doctor is obtained," she said. "Starting in October or November, qualified people will receive bigger packages from WIC, which will include fruits, vegetables, and different foods never offered before from the grocery store."
Sylvester said Berkshire Mall has been a strong supporter of the annual event by providing space, helping set up tables and chairs, and setting aside a room for women who wanted more privacy for breast feeding. She also wanted to thank family favorites David Grover and the Big Bear Band for supplying the entertainment.
