Every Aug. 1-7 is World Breastfeeding Week. Each year the emphasis is on promoting breastfeeding and encouraging and supporting breastfeeding moms. This year the dates coincide with the Freeborn County Fair. The Freeborn County Fair Board has confirmed that breastfeeding moms should feel free to go inside the Fairlane Building, which is air conditioned, to nurse their babies. This is an example of basic support that we, as a community, can provide breastfeeding mothers.

On Jan. 20, 2011 Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin issued a “Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding,” outlining steps that can be taken to remove some of the obstacles faced by women who want to breastfeed their babies. “Many barriers exist for mothers who want to breastfeed,” Dr. Benjamin said. “They shouldn’t have to go it alone. Whether you’re a health care provider, a family member, a friend, or an employer, you can play an important part in helping mothers who want to breastfeed. Given the importance of breastfeeding for the health and well-being of mothers and children, it is critical that we take action across the country to support breastfeeding. Of course, the decision to breastfeed is a personal one,” she added, “no mother should be made to feel guilty if she cannot or chooses not to breastfeed.”

Dr. Benjamin’s “Call to Action” identifies ways that families, communities, employers and health care professionals can improve breastfeeding rates and increase support for breastfeeding. You can learn even more at www.hhs.gov by typing “call to action to support breastfeeding” in the search line. For more information on breastfeeding, go to www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding or www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/. Local support for breastfeeding moms is available by calling Freeborn County Public Health at 377-5100.

“I believe that we as a nation are beginning to see a shift in how we think and talk about breastfeeding,” said Dr. Benjamin. “With this ‘Call to Action,’ I am urging everyone to help make breastfeeding easier.” Thanks to the Freeborn County Fair Board for their support of breastfeeding mothers and babies in our community.

Jane Samuelson

nurse

Freeborn County Public Health

Albert Lea