It’s August 1st which means one of two things- the kids are going back to school in a few weeks and it’s the start of World Breastfeeding Month! WAHOO!We often get asked, “So, what’s going on with breastfeeding in Vermont anyway?” Well, the most recent data collected is from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Breastfeeding Report Card 2014 which reported that 90% of Vermont women had ever breastfed their baby, surpassing the U.S. National average of 79.2%. About 66.5% of Vermont moms were breastfeeding at 6 months and 45.3% at 12 months. Up to 2014, the report card was released every year but moving forward it will be published every two years with the next release being in early 2017. Keep your eyes open for how Vermont is doing now!
To celebrate World Breastfeeding Month, the Vermont Department of Health is hosting a couple events and will be showcasing Addison County Breastfeeding Friendly Employers in the Addison Independent on August 1st. The events will be open to the public and we hope they will inspire moms and families to get together and think about the role breastfeeding plays in the development of healthy babies, families, and communities.
Events include:
1.) Community Baby Shower, August 2nd, 11-12pm at 156 South Village Green, Large conference room. With **FREE professional photos**
2.) BIG Latch On, August 6th, 9:30-11:00am at Middlebury Town Green, near the gazebo. Nurse your child and have a snack while women around the world latch their baby and show support of breastfeeding.
Also, don’t forget to check out the *new* Infant Comfort Station while you’re at Field Days! A nursing/rest area near the restrooms for you and your baby, fully equipped with air conditioning and some light reading.
If you see Breastfeeding standees in Addison County at your favorite place, make sure to take a picture and post it to our Facebook page found at Vermont Department of Health-Middlebury.