Port Townsend – Jefferson County Public Health is celebrating 25 years of World Breastfeeding Week, August 1-7. There will be a picnic at Chetzamoka Park, in Port Townsend at 11:00-12:30 pm on Wednesday August 2rd. Current and former breastfeeding moms, babies, families, and friends are invited to picnic in the park. Bring a picnic lunch to celebrate and support those who breastfeed and the nutritious benefits of doing so.

The theme for World Breastfeeding Week 2017 is “Sustaining Breastfeeding Together”. Creating partnerships at all multi-levels such as advocates, leaders in our community, media and the younger generation who support breastfeeding is the goal for World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA).

Jefferson Healthcare and its clinics have, along with Jefferson Public Health, aligned together to help moms achieve success in their breastfeeding goals. Recognized by the World Health Organization, Jefferson Healthcare has achieved the award of being a Baby Friendly Hospital. This year Jefferson County Public Health has received the gold level Breastfeeding Friendly Washington Clinics. Breastfeeding Friendly Washington Clinics is based on the “Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding,” developed by the World Health Organization, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Ten Steps to Support Parent’s Choice to Breastfeed Their Baby.”

Jefferson County Public Health hosts a breastfeeding tea support group every Wednesday at 11:00 -12:30 for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Kathy Luch facilitates the group and is a licensed International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and Midwife. Breast pumps are available to WIC clients who are breastfeeding. WIC has openings! Call 360-385-9432 to make an appointment.

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Always working for a safer and healthier community