This week, August 1-7, is World Breastfeeding Week, so there are a few things we want you to know.
Did you know there is a breastfeeding hotline administered by the Tennessee Department of Health? The hotline: 1-855-4BF-MOMS (or 855-423-6667) is operated 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Lactation counselors, nurses, and counselors are available by phone anytime to answer any questions you have regarding breastfeeding your child. Whether you're just getting started or heading back to work, it's there for you.
The Shelby County Breastfeeding Coalition also offers a host of resources for women in Shelby County. Go to their website to learn about breastfeeding resources, classes, and contacts. Or attend Latch On Memphis at Le Bonheur Childen's Hospital Auditorium on Saturday, August 8th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) has been helping mothers give their babies the best start in life for more than 90 years. Education and support are an important part of their mission. The TDH celebrates World Breastfeeding Week, August 1 through 7, which focuses on the importance of breastfeeding.
This year's theme is "Breastfeeding and Work: Let's Make It Work," emphasizing the importance of workplace support for breastfeeding women. Businesses that support breastfeeding reap numerous benefits, including retention of experienced employees; reduction in sick time take by both mothers and fathers for children's illnesses; and lower health care and insurance costs.
To date, more than 600 Tennessee businesses have taken the "Breastfeeding Welcomed Here" pledge, indicating their support for mother's to breastfeed at their locations. Is your company among them? To find the list and become involved with this effort, go to http://www.tn.gov/health/article/breastfeeding-welcomedHere.