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Celebrating World Breastfeeding Week at North Shore
Monday November 3, 2008
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Graham Strigaro, RN, IBCLC (left), and Dawn Frank, RN, IBCLC, flank one of the posters on display at North Shore during World Breastfeeding Week..

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North Shore University Hospital at Manhasset, New York, celebrated World Breastfeeding Week by showing its dedication to the support of mothers with a Lobby Table Event. Posters describing the 2008 WBW theme, benefits to breastfeeding, and The New York State Proclamation of World Breastfeeding Week, decorated the hospital halls. Breastfeeding information, handouts, and resources were distributed for review, and made available to the public.

Breastfeeding is the preferred method of infant feeding for all infants with few exceptions. Most professional healthcare organizations dedicated to the improved health of families, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the American College of Family Physicians, all recommend breastfeeding. Breastfeeding also provides unique nutritional and health advantages that extend far beyond infancy.

Every year, WBW brings information on the importance of breastfeeding to local communities and hospitals around the globe. The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action, a global network of individuals and organizations concerned with the protection, promotion, and support of breastfeeding worldwide, annually selects a theme for the event. The theme for 2008 WBW, held August 1 - 7, was: “Mother Support: Going for the Gold—Everyone Wins when Babies Breastfeed.”

NSUH Breastfeeding services were highlighted during this year’s celebration — including their breastfeeding classes (both prenatal and in hospital) the free monthly “New Mother’s Breastfeeding Support Group” and the provision for in-hospital lactation consultation. The public enthusiastically responded to the table display seeking further information and resources.

NSUH Lactation Team members — Debra Potak, Rachel Cascone, Graham Strigaro, Sue O'Reilly, Lyssa Lamport, and Dawn Frank — also participated in the “Ask the Lactation Consultant” portion of the event, answering questions about breastfeeding and addressing issues and concerns. Many family members of breastfeeding mothers and expectant mothers appreciated the efforts to raise awareness of how important their part was in supporting a breastfeeding mother. Some even commented that they wished they had had similar support when they were nursing their babies.

The 2008 objectives were to expand awareness of the need for and the value of providing support to a breastfeeding mother, to disseminate updated information about support for mothers and to create optimal conditions for the provisions of mother support. The lactation consultant team at NSUH is already working on next year’s event, with plans to expand community outreach and awareness.



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