The East Hawaii community is invited to observe World Breastfeeding Week with a main celebration from 10 a.m.-noon Aug. 5 at the Hilo Public Library.
The East Hawaii community is invited to observe World Breastfeeding Week with a main celebration from 10 a.m.-noon Aug. 5 at the Hilo Public Library.
The family-friendly event will include breastfeeding resources for parents in East Hawaii, award presentations for breastfeeding-friendly businesses, employers and health care providers, a baby-wearing demonstration, yoga for moms and raffle prizes.
The feature event is the Big Latch On at 10:30 a.m. in which thousands of breastfeeding women and their children around the world will gather in their own communities to take part in a synchronized breastfeeding event in multiple locations.
The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action organizes World Breastfeeding Week during the first week of August every year to raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding and the need for global support.
The East Hawaii Perinatal Consortium is sponsoring local World Breastfeeding Week activities and is accepting nominations for breastfeeding-friendly businesses, employers and health care providers.
Nominations can be submitted in person at the library celebration or online until Aug. 1 at www.surveymonkey.com/r/BB37G6S.
The Hilo and Pahoa libraries each will feature a breastfeeding display throughout the month of August.
Studies have shown that breastfeeding contributes to the normal growth and development of children.
The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of a baby’s life to optimize these benefits.
For more information, contact East Hawaii organizer Anna Gilmore at anna.gilmore@gmail.com.