Breastfeeding walk to be held

staff reports
Published: August 7, 2008

The Rappahannock Chapter of La Leche League is hosting a World Breastfeeding Week Celebration Walk on August 9 from 10 a.m to 1 p.m at United Methodist Church in downtown Fredericksburg.

Activities at this special event will include: a symbolic walk, door prizes from local businesses, free food, free children’s interactive activities with Mother

Moose, a silent auction, vendors and medical professionals. Approximately 300 people are expected to participate. The public is encouraged to attend.

In conjunction with the Olympics in August, “Mother Support: Going for the Gold” is this year’s theme for World Breastfeeding Week.

The World Breastfeeding Week celebration recognizes the importance of supporting mothers so they can achieve the gold standard of infant feeding: breastfeeding exclusively for six months and providing appropriate complementary foods with continued breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond.

La Leche League advocates creating optimal conditions for mothers in several critical areas of support, including family and social networks, healthcare, workplace and employment, government and legislation, and crisis or emergency response.

The Rappahannock Chapter of La Leche League provides monthly meetings offering information and support to women interested in breastfeeding. It has a lending library of books on breastfeeding, pregnancy, and parenting. Leaders with the Group provide 24-hour free telephone support to the community. All
volunteer La Leche League Leaders are experienced breastfeeding mothers who are trained and accredited by La Leche League International.

Rappahannock Chapter of La Leche League is part of La Leche League International, a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization that provides breastfeeding information and support.

To learn more about La Leche League and World Breastfeeding Week, visit lllusa.org.

— Press release