HYANNIS – In honor of the annual celebration of World Breast Feeding Week in August, two special events were hosted by the Family Birthplace at Cape Cod Hospital and Falmouth Hospital. Moms and babies were treated to interactive and educational offerings built around this year’s theme of Breastfeeding: Foundation of Life, as set by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action.
Falmouth Hospital’s event, coordinated by Suzan Scharr, RN, IBCLC, lactation specialist, was held on August 2 and featured a talk by WHOI post-doctoral student Emily H.G. Cooperdock, titled “The Problem with Plastics and how Breastfeeding can Help.” Cooperdock, who is also a mom in Falmouth Hospital’s Breastfeeding Support Group, explained how breastfeeding has practically zero impact on the environment, in addition to its many other benefits. She further discussed ways to reduce the use of plastics in daily life, and highlighted breast pump manufacturers that offer recycling of their products.
Moms and babies were able to partake in a special Mother-Baby Yoga class, and experts from the federal WIC program (Women, Infants, and Children) and Baby Wearing International also shared information.
“I’m so impressed by the dedication these mothers have to provide the healthiest nutrition for their babies,” said Scharr. “They attend breastfeeding support groups like ours to learn the tips and strategies that help make breastfeeding work better for them.”
Overall, as mom Caitlin MacDonald said, the day was “fun and informative, and a great way to meet other mothers.”
Cape Cod Hospital’s event followed on August 3 and treated moms to massage, Reiki and energy work with local practitioners, while also featuring expo-style demonstrations on baby sign language and safe car seat installation, nutrition tips, bra fittings and breast pump information. It was organized by Heather Lakatos, RN, IBCLC, lactation specialist.
“This event was about celebrating the moms and all of their hard work parenting and breastfeeding. We wanted to make sure we brought in pampering aspects such as massage and Reiki, and treat them to a moment of relaxation while members of our maternity staff babysat nearby,” she said.
The Lorusso Conference Center at Cape Cod Hospital buzzed with activity as moms participated in the many offerings.
“The breastfeeding event was everything a mom, like myself needed,” said Peggy MacQueen, a member of the Cape Cod Hospital Breastfeeding Support Group. “From the moment we walked in, it was pure relaxation. The nursing staff was available to watch our babies as we were able to have a few minutes of R&R. I can’t say enough about the event and how thankful I am to Heather and Diane!”
Because breastfeeding is known to provide many health benefits for both babies and their mothers, the Family Birthplace teams at Cape Cod Hospital and Falmouth Hospital are committed to supporting women who choose to breastfeed and these special events celebrate their efforts.
Interested in learning more? Additional resources, including lactation support services can also be found at: http://www.capecodhealth.org/care-treatment/womens/pregnancy-birth/breastfeeding-support/
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