INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — August marks Breastfeeding Awareness Month in the country. This is a perfect time to remind the community that breastfeeding is one of the most natural and beneficial acts a mother can do for her child.
“Dramatic health benefits have been proven to pass from mother to child through breast milk,” said Linda Roberts, program manager of Belly Beautiful and internationally board certified lactation consultant. “The benefits range from antibodies, which protect an infant at birth, to the exclusive nutrients in mother’s milk shown to prevent a number of childhood diseases including SIDS. The benefits are incalculable. There truly is no other single action by which a mother can so impact the present and future health of her baby. All of these services are provided free- because breastfeeding is that important.”
Belly Beautiful will be presenting a special breast feeding class on Aug. 26 entitled “Making it Work” designed to help mothers balance work and breastfeeding for new mothers. It will be held at 5:30 p.m. on the first floor of Indian River Medical Center in the medical education room.
Breastfeeding is a normal and important part of mothers and babies being together. “Breastfeeding isn’t just about the milk though,” Roberts said. “It helps to build that phenomenal bond that lasts a lifetime and that is not even touching on the amazing health benefits that stay with the baby and mother the rest of their lives. While breastfeeding is natural, many moms still need advice and support.”
The IRC Healthy Start Coalition has two programs designed to help families meet their breastfeeding goals. The Belly Beautiful program focuses on engaging, educating and empowering pregnant Indian River families with weekly classes, helping them to feel more prepared and confident leading to healthier pregnancies.
TLC Newborn supports and strengthens these families after their baby is born providing “best” practice baby care and parenting information, promoting the understanding of infant growth and development through individualized contact with family associates.
Both programs are ready to assist moms to overcome obstacles and even help develop a breastfeeding plan of action. They are ready to support and encourage mothers on this beautiful journey.
Pregnant mothers or mothers of newborns are encouraged to call Linda at Belly Beautiful (772) 202-2229 or any one of the TLC Newborn family associates at (772) 923-9182. This team is a positive beginning for new families.
The Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition assures the establishment, implementation, and monitoring of a system of care for pregnant women and children from birth to age three for our community.
The Coalition is an administrative office that oversees the funding and services for five programs: MomCare, Healthy Families, Healthy Start Care Coordination, Belly Beautiful and TLC Newborn.
The Healthy Start Coalition office is located at 333 17th Street Suite R, Vero Beach, just west of the Alma Lee Loy Bridge.
For more information visit www.irchealthystart.org or to reach Ms. Cain, call 772-563-9118 or email her at Kathie@irchealthystart.org.