On Tuesday, 5 August 2014, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., experts will offer consultations to pregnant women, mothers, fathers, and family members at the PAHO/WHO Headquarters, conveniently located near the Foggy Bottom Metro stop. Tips will be provided on how to carry babies in a safe manner. This is a free event.
Washington, D.C., 4 August 2014 (PAHO/WHO).- The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and the Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washington are joining to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week on 5 August 2014 with an event at PAHO/WHO Headquarters in Foggy Bottom, where lactation consultants will address the questions and concerns of pregnant women, mothers, fathers, and family members, with the goal of promoting breastfeeding and dispelling doubts that surround it.
World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated each year on 1—7 August to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and to improve the health of babies worldwide. PAHO/WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life and then combining breastfeeding with the introduction of complementary foods until 2 years or more of age.
The celebration in Washington, D.C, will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., in the lobby of the PAHO/WHO Headquarters (525 23rd Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037). Although the event is free and open to the public, previous registration is encouraged. Those interested in participating can register by visiting this link.
Mothers and fathers, both current and future, as well as children and other family members in attendance will learn about the unique benefits of breastfeeding and how to breastfeed their baby. A station with lactation consultants will be open for consultations.
Experts will also be on hand to demonstrate the various methods for carrying babies safely. Special games and entertainment areas will be available for children as well as gift bags and raffles. Argentine cartoonist Fernando Sendra, a PAHO/WHO Champion of Health, illustrator of this year's PAHO/WHO Breastfeeding Week poster, and creator of the cartoon "Yo, Matias" will also be on hand during the event.
Breastfeeding protects babies from illness and death, regardless of whether they are born in a developed or developing country, in a rich family or a poor one. In addition, it has long-term benefits for both mothers and children.
"Breastfeeding in the 21st Century: Anytime, Anyplace" is the message that PAHO/WHO is promoting during World Breastfeeding Week in order to raise awareness regarding the importance for a woman to be able to breastfeed whenever her child is hungry or needs comfort, regardless of the time or place.
The Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washington is a leader in lactation education and promotion. Its mission is to advance breastfeeding and successful parenting throughout the DC metro area by providing free and low cost professional instruction to families in a supportive community space.
PAHO was founded in 1902 and is the oldest continuing international public health organization in the world. It works with its member countries to improve the health and quality of life of the people of the Americas. It also serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization and the specialized health agency within the inter-American system.
Links:
