Community

New City, NY, – Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert announced that Rockland County will celebrate World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7) with an event hosted by the Rockland County Breastfeeding Coalition partners, including the Rockland County Department of Health, La Leche League of Rockland County (LLL), Montefiore Nyack Hospital, and Lower Hudson Valley Perinatal Network.

Join the Rockland County Breastfeeding Coalition for the annual “Live, Love, Latch! BYOBasket Picnic” in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, from 10 am to 12 pm at Congers Memorial Park. Families will gather to share experiences with infant feeding and learn fun facts about breastfeeding/chestfeeding/breastmilk. For details and registration, visit Live, Love, Latch! *BYOBasket* Picnic | Facebook. For more event information, contact LLL of Rockland, NY, at ClarkstownLLL@gmail.com.

The mission of the Rockland County Breastfeeding Coalition is to improve the health of mothers and babies in Rockland County by empowering families through a cohesive system of support and advocacy from the community, workplaces, childcare, and medical practices to create better breastfeeding outcomes. The Coalition maintains health equity at the forefront of all its efforts and strives to eliminate racial, ethnic, and community disparities. Want to be a part of the movement to help change the social norm around breastfeeding in Rockland? Become a member by calling 845-364-3786 or email messingl@co.rockland.ny.us.

The updated policy statement of the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends “exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth. Furthermore, the AAP supports continued breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods introduced at about 6 months, as long as mutually desired by mother and child for 2 years or beyond. These recommendations are consistent with the World Health Organization (WHO). Medical contraindications to breastfeeding are rare.” Breastmilk/human milk provides essential nutrients and antibodies that boost an infant’s immune system, protecting them from childhood illnesses. Babies not receiving breastmilk/human milk are more likely to develop common childhood illnesses like ear infections, diarrhea, and chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, asthma, and childhood obesity.

“The proven health benefits from providing breastmilk/human milk to babies make it important for us to work together to help reduce barriers that breastfeeding and human milk feeding persons face and create a culture in the community where lactating individuals feel comfortable and empowered to provide human milk for their babies. World Breastfeeding Week is a perfect time to join activities promoting, protecting, and supporting all lactating persons,” said Dr. Ruppert.

The Rockland County Department of Health can assist your worksite, childcare center/home, or pediatric or obstetric practice to become breastfeeding/chestfeeding friendly by providing supplies and technical assistance. For more information, call the Health Department’s Breastfeeding Promotion and Support Program at 845-364-3786, email messingl@co.rockland.ny.us, or visit http://rcklnd.us/breastfeeding. For more information on all the events recognizing National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, World Breastfeeding Week, and Black Breastfeeding Week in August 2022, visit http://www.usbreastfeeding.org/NBM, http://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/, and http://blackbreastfeedingweek.org/.