FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 31st, 2015

Contact:
Brenda Fenech-Soler (904) 209-3250 x1004

ST. AUGUSTINE - This August, the Florida Department of Health in St. Johns County (DOH-St. Johns) is celebrating National Breastfeeding Awareness Month to promote breastfeeding as a vital health activity, and to encourage breastfeeding friendly locations in the community.

“The health benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and babies cannot be under estimated,” said DOH-St. Johns Director of Nursing, Elaine Mathews, R.N. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mothers who breastfeed their children are at a healthier weight on average than those who do not. They also have a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, breast and ovarian cancer. Children who are breastfed have a lower risk for developing respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, asthma, obesity, Type 2 diabetes and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

During the month of August, DOH-St. Johns will be partnering with local area pediatricians and obstetricians to provide breastfeeding mothers with a resource kit containing educational material and supplies to promote breastfeeding.

To reach the goal of exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months, mothers need supportive maternity leave policies, flexible work hours, infant and child-care at or near the workplace, and private facilities for expressing and storing breast milk. DOH-St. Johns has dedicated staff who teach and support mothers with breastfeeding.

For more information about DOH-St. Johns, please visit: https://stjohns.floridahealth.gov. For information on the Florida Breastfeeding Coalition's Quality Maternity Care Initiative, please visit: http://flbreastfeeding.org/hospital.htm.

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Healthiest Weight Florida is a public-private collaboration bringing together state agencies, nonprofit organizations, businesses and entire communities to help Florida's children and adults make consistent, informed choices about healthy eating and active living. To learn more about how to be active and make nutritious food choices visit www.healthiestweightflorida.com.

The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.floridahealth.gov.