The City of St. Joseph is kicking off a week dedicated to encourage and promote breastfeeding.

The Health Department WIC (Women, Infants and Children) is joining organizations worldwide to encourage and promote breastfeeding during World Breastfeeding Week, August 1-7th.

The department said this year World Breastfeeding Week shines a light on women combining the dual responsibilities of breastfeeding and working, and the role of employers and communities.

“Employers who are regarded as being family friendly empower employees to more easily balance family and work, and to fulfill both their family and work obligations,” the department said in a news release. “Missouri’s ‘Breastfeeding Friendly Worksite’ program encourages the inclusion of breastfeeding protection in the arsenal of family friendly worksite policies.”

The WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors invite breastfeeding moms to activities designed to promote and encourage all pregnant and breastfeeding mothers during “World Breastfeeding Week: Breastfeeding and Work, Let’s Make it Work!”

* Saturday, August 1st at the East Hills Mall Sunporch Café at 10:00 a.m.:
“St. Joe Latch MO” – all breastfeeding moms are invited to join this global event

* Wednesday, August 5th at the East Hills Library: “All About That Base” – a presentation
about cloth diapering, baby wearing and ways parents connect with and nurture babies

* Friday, August 7th at the Keatley Center: “Mothers’ Tea Party” – honoring WIC pregnant
and breastfeeding moms with a special celebration

Contact the WIC Peer Counselor’s office for more information about World Breastfeeding Week activities at 816-271-4880.