The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County recognizes August as Breastfeeding Month, a time to celebrate, promote and support the importance of breastfeeding as a foundation of lifelong health for babies and mothers.
To mark the celebration, the health departments are encouraging mothers, fathers and friends in Sarasota County to come together to breastfeed and support each other at the Global Big Latch On event hosted by DOH – Sarasota.
The event starts at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 2, in the auditorium of the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County, located at 2200 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota.
Moms participating in the Latch On must arrive by 10 a.m. Friends, family and community members can also join the celebration, there will be food, raffle prizes, crafts and more.
Since 2005, Global Big Latch On events have created lasting support networks for communities around the world.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), babies who are breastfed have a lower risk of asthma, diabetes, obesity, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and more. Mothers who breastfeed their babies have a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancers, diabetes and high blood pressure.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. At six months, babies should be introduced to solid foods and continue breastfeeding up to the age of one or older.
For more information about DOH-Sarasota, go to www.sarasotahealth.org or call (941) 861-2900. About the Florida Department of HealthThe department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, 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.