205 W 5th Ave Ellensburg, WA 98926-2887
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Kittitas (pronounced 'KITT-i-tass') County is located in central Washington State. It spans from the lush forested Cascade Mountains to the upper Yakima River Valley plains and the Columbia River.
Kittitas County, WA - 08/01/2018 - Join the Kittitas County Breastfeeding Coalition (KCBC) in celebrating World Breastfeeding week with a series of free events! The Annual World Breastfeeding Week is August 1-7 and KCBC invites residents to participate in local activities (schedule attached).
World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every year during the week of August 1-7 and is organized in collaboration with the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). The week is intended to promote and encourage breastfeeding and supportive breastfeeding policies around the world. Breastfeeding offers numerous health benefits to both mother and child. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), breast milk offers all of the essential nutrients infants require, it is easily digestible, offers growth factors, and helps fight infections. The AAP also states that breastfeeding mothers have a reduced risk of ovarian and breast cancers. Breastfeeding for any length of time is beneficial and, in general, the longer you breastfeed, the greater these benefits. KCBC works year round to provide educational resources to mothers and increase environmental support for breastfeeding in our county, with an overall mission of promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding for lifelong individual, family, and community health. KCBC was created in 2013 and is facilitated by the Kittitas County Public Health Department. The group is comprised of individuals from multiple agencies around the county, including Kittitas Valley Healthcare, Central Washington University, Bright Beginnings, Community Health of Central Washington’s WIC program, Nurturing Naturally, La Leche League, and at large community members. The coalition is open to anyone who would like to participate. Monthly meetings occur on the third Wednesday of every month from 9:00am to 10:30am at the Kittitas County Public Health Department, conference room 115. For more information on World Breastfeeding Week, visit http://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/ or call the Kittitas County Public Health Department at 509-962-7515. Schedule of Events: Wednesday, Aug. 1st, 10:15am Tea and Stories in the Park Celebrate motherhood and breastfeeding with tea and a special story time in the park with Gloria Wright of Nurturing Naturally. West Ellensburg Park 3rd Ave and Pacific St, near the gazebo Friday, Aug. 3rd, 10:15am Join KCBC in the children’s area of the Ellensburg Public Library for a breastfeeding themed story time with Ms. Sue. Ellensburg Public Library 209 Ruby St Saturday, Aug. 4th, 9:00am – 1:00pm Farmers Market Baby Feeding Station While enjoying the farmers market, take a break in the shade with baby, have a cup of water, and explore local resources and support. Kittitas County Farmers Market 4th Ave, between Pine St and Pearl St Sunday, Aug. 5th, 2:30pm - 4:30pm Big Latch-On and Portraits in the Park Gather to breastfeed and support each other. Free breastfeeding portraits will be available to document your amazing breastfeeding journey while enjoying summer at the park. West Ellensburg Park 3rd Ave and Pacific St, near the gazebo Tuesday, Aug. 7th, 6:00pm Family Park Night! Come down to the park, bring a picnic blanket (you’re welcome to bring a food dish), and the whole family to share in an evening with current and veteran breastfeeding families, as we celebrate the last day of World Breastfeeding Week. West Ellensburg Park 3rd Ave and Pacific St, near the gazebo
Kittitas County, from the Cascades to the Columbia, and online at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us
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Contact: Chelsey Loeffers, Health Promotion Specialist, (509) 962-7515