Ketchikan, ALASKA – It is said that breastfeeding is a mother’s gift to her baby that lasts a lifetime.

During World Breastfeeding Week, August 1-7, caregivers from PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center, Janai Meyer Nutrition & Lactation, LLC; Ketchikan Public Health; and the Early Learning Program are teaming up to make sure moms are supported as they meet the nutritional needs of their little ones.

On Saturday, August 4 at the Blueberry Arts festival, a Parents’ Pit Stop is available to provide a comfortable space for breastfeeding mothers as well as a place for parents to do a little dirty work, like changing diapers. This private space will be located just inside the lower Main Street entrance of the State Building, second booth on the right.

According to local lactation specialist Janai Meyer, RD, LD, IBCLC, there are many benefits to breastfeeding, for both moms and babies.

“Breast milk is almost like a medicine” said Meyer. “It helps stave off infections. That’s why I always say, ‘Some breast milk is better than none.’”

Breastfeeding benefits for baby:

Breastfeeding benefits for mom:

Breastfeeding doesn’t always come easy. Sometimes new mothers are physically unable to breastfeed due to complications with the breast or breast tissue, and adoptive parents may need special coaching on how best to feed their child with formula. Every case is different. PeaceHealth, Janai Meyer, Public Health, and the Early Learning Program all provide a variety of resources and classes to help provide every mother of a newborn what she needs to be as successful as possible.

For more information about breastfeeding, visit https://www.peacehealth.org/healthy-you/how-breastfeeding-helps-babies-and-moms.

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About PeaceHealth: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a not-for-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, a group practice with more than 900 providers and 10 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission.


PRESS RELEASE — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

From:             PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center, 3100 Tongass Avenue, Ketchikan, Alaska   99901

Date:              August 2, 2018

Contacts:       Mischa Chernick, Communications Manager, (907) 617-0354

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