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Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) and its partners invite the public to learn more about the health benefits of breastfeeding for infants, mothers and the community at several free events planned during the 24th Annual World Breastfeeding Week celebration.

World Breastfeeding Week, celebrated in more than 170 countries, is intended to highlight the important health benefits of breastfeeding. This year World Breastfeeding Week is focused on building community and political partnerships to support mothers to breastfeed their babies. Breastfeeding supports a child’s wellbeing from birth by providing the best nutrition in a safe, low-cost, natural, ecological and sustainable way. Breastfeeding improves the health, development and survival of women, infants and children worldwide. If women breastfeed, they recover faster after childbirth and have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Breastfeeding is a great equalizer in health. Regardless of family income, if infants are breastfed, childhood illnesses like ear infections and colds are less frequent and less severe. Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of more serious diseases like meningitis, intestinal problems and allergies as well as chronic diseases like diabetes, asthma and obesity. Because breastfeeding improves brain health and readiness to learn, it can help a child learn and be successful in school. Breastfeeding also supports a clean and safe, non-polluting, natural and sustainable source of nutrition for children.

This World Breastfeeding Week is being celebrated throughout Contra Costa County. (See local events below.) Come see how breastfeeding can positively affect sustainable development goals in our county and throughout the world.

Monday, July 31

Brentwood WIC Program
171 Sand Creek Road, Suite A, Brentwood
The Brentwood WIC office will host an afternoon breastfeeding event from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. with breastfeeding classes, community resources, free books and diapers.

Tuesday, August 2

Concord WIC Program
2355 Stanwell Circle, Concord
The Concord WIC office will host an afternoon breastfeeding event from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. with breastfeeding classes, community resources, free food, face painting, free books, clothes and diapers.

Wednesday, August 3

Pittsburg WIC Program
2311 Loveridge Road, Pittsburg
The Pittsburg WIC clinic will celebrate World Breastfeeding Week between 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. with breastfeeding classes, community resources, free books, a photo booth, prizes from vendors and more. Come join the fun!

Wednesday, August 3

Richmond WIC Program
100 38th Street, Richmond
The Richmond WIC clinic will host an afternoon celebration from 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. with breastfeeding classes, games, community resources, free fruits and vegetables and a health fair. Line dancing, infant massage classes and a breastfeeding tea for friends and families of pregnant women will add to the fun. Come join us!

Friday, August 4

Contra Costa Regional Medical Center
2500 Alhambra Ave, Martinez
Join us to celebrate breastfeeding as the natural and safe way to feed babies at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. CCRMC is in the process of becoming an official baby-friendly hospital and will provide information on the benefits of breastfeeding.

Saturday, August 5

Liberty Church of God in Christ
146 Alves Lane, Baypoint
If you are pregnant and African American come and enjoy free food and education as well as prizes at the Contra Costa African American Community Baby Shower from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Grandmothers, children and men that support pregnant women are welcome. A “Men’s Only Workshop” will include games, prizes and health screening. This event is sponsored by Los Medanos Community Healthcare District, A More Excellent Way Health and Kaiser Permanente. Register by calling 707-319-7489 or register online.

For more information on how breastfeeding is a key to sustainable development worldwide, visit worldbreastfeedingweek.org.

For more information and/or support for breastfeeding, contact your healthcare provider, or call the Contra Costa Breastfeeding Advice Line at 866-878-7767.

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