Release Date: August 4, 2008
Contact: Christine Patmon, Metro Health Public Relations Manager, 207-8638
San Antonio Mothers Encouraged to Go for the Gold
Community asked to support mothers in gold standard for infant feeding
Going for the gold is not just a goal for Olympic athletes this month. Mothers and moms-to-be are encouraged to achieve the gold standard for infant feeding as the U.S. and other countries observe World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) through August 7. The theme for this year’s international celebration is Mother Support: Going for the Gold.
The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program with Metro Health will celebrate WBW at various clinic locations throughout the month starting with a reception on Tuesday, August 5 from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Fredericksburg clinic, 3600 Fredericksburg. A second reception is scheduled for Tuesday, August 12 from
10:00 a.m. to noon at the Buena Vista clinic, 2315 Buena Vista. The Metro Health WIC team also will join the San Antonio Breastfeeding Coalition for its third annual Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. today at Beto’s, 8142 Broadway.
At the WIC receptions, breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women enrolled in the WIC program will be entered into a drawing for door prizes while infants who have been breastfed for at least four months will receive t-shirts and certificates. Refreshments also will be served. In addition, all WIC clinics will display a proclamation from Mayor Phil Hardberger observing WBW.
WBW is officially celebrated annually from August 1 – 7. The 2008 theme calls for greater support for mothers in achieving the gold standard of infant feeding: breastfeeding exclusively for six months, and providing appropriate complementary
foods with continued breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond. The overall goal is to call attention to the health, social, economic and earth-friendly benefits of breastfeeding.
“As families here and across the nation cope with the high price of gas, food and other necessities, breastfeeding just makes good economic sense. More importantly, you can not put a price on the health benefits,” said WIC Program Manager Norma Lucia Zuniga. “Many mothers in our WIC program have enjoyed both of these aspects of breastfeeding and we encourage mothers throughout our community to join them.”
Mothers and children around the world benefit from breastfeeding—the most basic form of nutrition. It supports optimal growth and development by helping infants form strong immune systems. That healthy start aids in the fight against common illnesses such as ear infections and upper respiratory diseases. As they age, breastfed individuals face a decreased risk of chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes, two public health issues of particular concern in San Antonio. At the same time, breastfeeding mothers lower their risk of breast and ovarian cancer and osteoporosis. They also enjoy a special bond with their child.
Despite evidence-based research, many moms never initiate breastfeeding. Those that do try often stop due to a lack of support. WIC supports breastfeeding mothers in the program with a variety of incentives and a breastfeeding hotline.
For more information about the WIC program and the benefits of breastfeeding, visit www.sanantonio.gov/health/WIC-main.html or call 225-0213.
