Media Advisory

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Tuesday, July 26, 2016

WHAT

Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) and its partners invite the public to learn more about the health benefits of breastfeeding for infants and mothers at several free community events planned during the 24th Annual World Breastfeeding Week, August 1st through August 7th.

The Contra Costa Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program will host celebrations at public health centers across the county featuring breastfeeding education, referrals, community resources and free diapers. Special events will also be held at the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez and various churches in Pittsburg.

WHEN & WHERE:

Monday, August 1: 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Pittsburg Health Center, 2311 Loveridge Rd., Pittsburg.

Tuesday, August 2: 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Brentwood Health Center, 171 Sand Creek Rd., Suite A, Brentwood

Tuesday, August 2: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (CCRMC), 2500 Alhambra Road, Martinez Prizes will be awarded to departments in Health Services who accommodate breastfeeding at worksites for employees and patients. The Contra Costa WIC Program will staff a "Lactation Station" offering lactation supplies and hands-on advice for nursing moms. The CCRMC Farmers' Market will join the fun in the parking lot with other vendors providing breastfeeding and health information.

Wednesday, August 3: 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Concord WIC Site, 2355 Stanwell Circle, Concord Prizes will be awarded to departments in Health Services who accommodate breastfeeding at worksites for employees and patients. The Contra Costa WIC Program will staff a "lactation station" which offers lactation supplies and hands-on advice for nursing moms.

Thursday, August 4: 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Richmond WIC Site, 100 38th Street in Richmond. Line dancing, infant massage classes and tea for family and friends of pregnant women, adding to the fun.

Saturday, August 6: Moms and families are welcome at the Contra Costa County Community Baby Shower, focused on fighting health disparities affecting African Americans, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Stewart Memorial Christian Methodist Church on 580 Front Street, and the First Baptist Church of Pittsburg on 204 Odessa Avenue. If you are pregnant and African American, you can register by calling 707-319-7489 or register online at cccbabyshower2016.eventbrite.com.

WHY:

Breastfeeding improves the health, development and survival of women, infants and children worldwide. Breastfeeding is a great equalizer in health. No matter what their income is, when infants are breastfed, childhood illnesses like ear infection and colds are less frequent and less severe. Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of more serious diseases like meningitis, intestinal problems and allergies as well as chronic diseases like diabetes, asthma and obesity. Because breastfeeding supports brain health, it can help a child learn and be more successful in school. If women breastfeed, they recover faster after childbirth and have a reduced risk of both breast and ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.

For more information and a schedule of events, visit cchealth.org/wic/breastfeeding

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