Rockland Health Dept. Calls Breastfeeding ‘Nature’s Perfect Food’

The Rockland County Health Department wants to make parents aware of the benefits of breastfeeding in hopes that they will take on the practice and start their babies off with a healthy lifestyle.

“As nature’s perfect food, breast milk helps your baby fight off illnesses, and ensures proper brain and eye development, and a healthier immune system and digestive tract,” said certified lactation consultant Laurie Messinger in a press release, who is also the health department’s Breastfeeding Promotion and Support Program Coordinator.

The Rockland County Health Department is celebrating World Breastfeeding Week from Aug. 1 to Aug. 7. According to Messinger, breastfeeding can reduce the risk of:

• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
• Respiratory conditions, like asthma
• Allergies
• Obesity
• Diarrhea
• Ear infections
• Other health problems

Experts will be on hand at Rockland County Farmers’ Markets during World Breastfeeding Week handing out information and answering questions about breastfeeding and lactation. 

Here are the event times and locations:

• Nyack Farmers Market (Municipal Parking Lot on Main Street), Aug. 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Spring Valley Farmers Market (Memorial Park Community Parking Lot, 1 Veterans Dr.) Aug. 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Rockland County Health Department also has programs to help you get started with breastfeeding your child. The Breastfeeding Promotion and Support programs offer expert advice, breastfeeding education and counseling either in person or over the phone to help with possible challenges. 

The Mother 2 Mother Breastfeeding Support Group brings mothers together to share their experiences with pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. 

Babies are welcome at the support group which meets at the following times and locations:

• 26 New Main St. in Haverstraw – meets Wednesdays at 1:45 p.m. (English-speaking groups meet on Aug. 7, Sept. 4, Oct. 2 and Nov. 6; the Spanish-speaking group meets Aug. 21, Sept. 18, October 16. and Nov. 20 

• 14 South Main St. in Spring Valley – meets on the following Tuesdays Aug. 20, Sept. 17, Oct. 15 and Nov.19 (Spanish-speaking group meets at 1:45 p.m. and the English-speaking groups meets at 2:30 p.m.)

For more information on these programs and other resources call (845) 364-3865 or email messingl@co.rockland.ny.us.