BY DOROTHY DILLON

August is National Breastfeeding Month, a time to recognize the benefits of breastfeeding and the importance of supporting mothers and families throughout their feeding journeys.

Breast milk provides important nutrition that supports a baby’s growth and development. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breastfeeding can help reduce an infant’s risk of several health conditions, including asthma, ear infections, obesity, severe respiratory illness, and sudden infant death syndrome. Breastfeeding may also lower a mother’s risk of high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer.

While breastfeeding is a natural process, it is not always easy. Encouragement from family members, healthcare providers, employers and the community can make a meaningful difference.

Support may include helping with household responsibilities, providing private spaces and adequate time for pumping at work, and connecting families with trusted breastfeeding resources.

Every family’s experience is different, and each mother deserves reliable information, encouragement and respect as she makes decisions for herself and her baby.

To learn more about breastfeeding and available resources, visit cdc.gov/breastfeeding.

The Martin County Health Department will host a breastfeeding class Thursday, Aug. 27, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the health department. The class will provide helpful information and support and encouragement for mothers. Topics include getting started with breastfeeding, nutrition and benefits, overcoming challenges, pumping and returning to work or school and available resources and support.

Martin County WIC and Martin County HANDS will sponsor the event. For more information, call the Martin County Health Department at 606-298-7752.

Dorothy Dillon is the Health Program Development and Outreach Manager at the Martin County Health Department, 136 Rockcastle Road, Inez.