Solano Celebrates Breastfeeding Families

October 2, 2012

Local moms are gathering to show Solano County is a friendly place for breastfeeding families. 

The Solano County Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, in conjunction with the Breastfeeding Coalition of Solano County, will showcase families at their second Motherhood in Action outreach event designed to honor breastfeeding mothers and families. The public is welcome to attend the celebration Thursday, Oct. 4 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Solano County Events Center, 601 Texas St. in Fairfield. 

"Breastfeeding is not only a personal choice, it is also a public health issue," said WIC Supervisor Teri Ewell, MPH, RD, IBCLC. “We support families who choose to breastfeed and would like to honor them for their efforts, because it is not always easy. It takes a community to raise and nurture healthy babies.”

The Motherhood in Action event celebrates breastfeeding as an important decision parents make to nourish and protect their babies. There will also be dads and grandparents demonstrating “baby-wearing” apparel to show how babies can be comforted and carried easily. 

“Breastfeeding is the first defense against infections for babies. They grow up healthier and have lower risks of obesity, asthma and ear infections,” Ewell said. “Not only is breastfeeding healthier for moms and babies, it also saves money for families and protects the environment from unnecessary manufacturing waste from formula production.” 

A 2010 study published in the Journal of Pediatrics showed that exclusively formula fed babies have a 50 percent higher risk of developing an ear infection, the most common doctor visit for infants 0 to12 months old. In addition, serious colds and ear-and-throat infections are increased by 63 percent in infants who are exclusively formula fed.

A detailed pediatric cost analysis in an Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality report concluded that if 90 percent of U.S. mothers would breastfeed exclusively for six months, there would be a collective savings of $13 billion per year.

For additional information on how to support breastfeeding, go to www.solanocounty.com/breastfeeding.

For information on the Motherhood in Action event, contact Ewell at (707) 553-5185 or [email protected].

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