As we prepare to celebrate the 2008 Olympics in August, we also want to increase our support for mothers striving to achieve the gold standard of infant feeding: to breastfeed their babies exclusively for the first 6 months and continue breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods for the first year of life, at least.

An Olympic athlete needs support from family, friends, the community, and sponsors in order to compete successfully. So, too, does a mother who is breastfeeding. Both an athlete and a breastfeeding mother face challenges. A breastfeeding mother’s challenges may include misinformation, working and breastfeeding, and most importantly overcoming doubts about her ability to breastfeed. Support for a breastfeeding mom can be as simple as a reassuring smile or words of encouragement. Belief in oneself is the key ingredient for both the athlete and breastfeeding mom.

Come support breastfeeding by attending the Babies First 3 rd Annual Breastfeeding Awareness Walk and Celebration Saturday, August 2, at 7:30 a.m. in Woodward Park’s Group Activity Area.

Please contact Julie Casillas at 263.1380 for more information and registration forms. Participants who pre-register will get a free t-shirt!