In recognition of World Breastfeeding Week, August 1-7, 2008, Jefferson County Department of Health and Environment (JCDHE) reminds everyone that when it comes to infant nutrition, breast milk is best. The theme this year, Mother Support: Going for the Gold, ties in with the Summer Olympics in August and promotes the concept that just as an athlete needs a healthy start in life, so does every infant. World Breastfeeding Week highlights the importance of supporting mothers so they can achieve the gold standard of infant feeding: breastfeeding exclusively for six months and providing appropriate complementary foods with continued breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond.

Jefferson County Department of Health and Environment supports creating optimal conditions for mothers and their infants, including specific breastfeeding needs. JCDHE Nutrition Services offers a free breast rental program for mothers enrolled in the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Program and the Prenatal Plus Program. In addition, a free breastfeeding class is offered at the Lakewood and Arvada clinics and a Spanish speaking class is available at the Edgewater site. Classes are held on the second Tuesday of each month and last from 1- to 2 hours. There is also a Mother to Mother support group offered through the WIC Peer Counseling program to all who are interested. This support group includes peer counselors who are mothers that have already breastfed their own baby and are ready to share their advice with other young mothers.

For more information on JCDHE Nutrition Services and the Breast Feeding Class contact Kim Phillips R.D., 303-275-7520

For more information about World Breast Feeding Week, please visit http://www.worldbreastfeedingweek.org .