Mitchell County Health Department observes Breastfeeding Awareness Week

During Breastfeeding Awareness Week, the Mitchell County Health Department is joining sister agencies across the district, the state, the nation and the world in recognizing the benefits of breastfeeding and honoring those who support it.

“Our goal is to see more mothers initiate and continue to provide this `gold’ formula for their infants,” explained Licensed Practical Nurse Janet Palmer, one of Mitchell County Health Department’s certified lactation counselors. “Breastfeeding provides optimal infant nutrition. Many times we find a lack of information and negativity by family and friends prevents a woman from considering it.”

Mitchell County Health Department is observing Breastfeeding Awareness Week – August 1 – 8 – by paying tribute to the women who choose to breastfeed and applauding the family, friends, healthcare providers, counselors and communities who support them, Palmer said.

“We have found that when the correct information is presented with discussion involving the benefits for both the mom and the infant, many will choose to breastfeed,” she said. “Most of the time we find that people just need to know the basics and that someone can help them.”

The health department is part of the Southwest Georgia Breastfeeding Coalition, collaborating with area members to share information and promote the value of breastfeeding.

“Our certified lactation counselors are available to anyone in our community who might need help as well as to our clients,” Palmer said. Other certified lactation counselors are also available through local pediatricians’ practices, hospitals and nearby health departments, she said.

Employees of the Mitchell County Health Department do more than tout the benefits of breastfeeding: They also practice what they preach.

We are all really excited that one of our own employees has changed her mind and plans to breastfeed,” said Palmer. “We know that a woman preparing for childbirth needs to think about how she is going to feed her baby before it arrives. We are here to help and want everyone to know that breastfeeding is the most precious gift a mom can give her baby.”