Community learns about breast feeding

MOSES LAKE - The community learned about breast-feeding and other health topics Friday at a World Breastfeeding Week Celebration in Moses Lake.

The event was hosted by Moses Lake Community Health Center and the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program, said WIC Director Paige Waters.

"We want to gather community support for our moms, moms-to-be, awareness on what a healthy start (breastfeeding) can give to the family," Waters said.

Rep. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, opened the event with a short speech. Warnick said when she raised her children in the 1970s, there was a lack of support for breastfeeding.

"In fact, the nurses said, 'you know, it would be a lot easier if you just feed her a bottle," Warnick said.

She expressed enthusiasm for the change in attitude and resources.

After the speech, community members took a short walk, led by organizers holding a "Loving Support Makes Breastfeeding Work" banner.

Community Health Center Marketing Director Julie Weisenburg said approximately 50 people showed up in the event's first hour, and organizers expected to see about 200 people total.

Vendors included businesses and organizations, such as Maternity Support Services, Grant County Health District, Moses Lake Community Health Center, Grant County Mental Health and Crossroads Resource Center.

"Continued breastfeeding after six months, for up to 2 years of age or longer, combined with safe and appropriate foods, is the best option for feeding a baby," stated Grant County Health Officer Alexander Brzezny.

Benefits of breastfeeding for the baby include receiving nutrients, disease protection, bonding, and healthy growth and development, according to the health district.

Soap Lake resident Jennifer Taylor attended World Breastfeeding Week Celebration with her three sons and newest child, a 1-month-old daughter.

Taylor said she attends the event yearly to support breastfeeding. Benefits Taylor listed include convenience, nutrition, and increased bonding. With breastfeeding, there is no need to wash bottles, she noted.

Maternity Support Services Director Debe Nuss said Moses Lake Community Health Center has six International Board Certified Lactation Consultants. Certified nurses, including Nuss, can help people who are having difficulty breastfeeding, she said.

Mothers are concerned with soreness, lack of milk and whether the baby is getting full, Nuss said.

She noted World Health Organization, the United Nations Children's Fund and American Academy of Pediatrics agree a baby should be breast-fed for their first two years of life.

Breast-fed babies are protected against ear infections and gastrointestinal problems, and they have a higher IQ than formula-fed babies, she said. Plus, the cost of breastfeeding is cheaper than feeding with formula, Nuss added.

Mothers who are nursing will again have a space to breast feed their babies at the Grant County Fair, said Moses Lake Breastfeeding Coalition member Mary Aardal.

"We have a booth in the commercial building that provides moms a private, comfortable, cool place to nurse their baby," Aardal said.

Waters noted WIC Breastfeeding Promotion Coordinator Lydia DeLeon was pivotal in organizing the World Breastfeeding Week Celebration.