Write a commentThe Oswego County Breastfeeding Coalition (OCBC) recently hosted a Baby Shower at Oswego Hospital for new and expectant mothers from the community.
An annual event, the Baby Shower was spearheaded by the OCBC, an organization consisting of representatives from Oswego County Opportunities (OCO) WIC Program, Oswego Health, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County, Integrated Community Planning, REACH CNY, Oswego County Health Department, the Pregnancy Care Center, and community members that strive to promote and support breastfeeding families.
“The Community Baby Shower is an opportunity for the coalition to bring expectant mothers together in order to educate about the benefits of breast feeding and community resources available to them to help them become successful breast feeding mothers,” said Stephanie Keltz, president of the Oswego County Breast Feeding Coalition. “One of the goals of the coalition is to encourage mothers to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months and continue to breastfeed for at least the first year. Studies have shown that there are many benefits to breastfeeding including healthier babies that are less apt to be sick and develop ear infections. Breastfeeding protects babies against risk factors related to SIDS, and reduces the risks for breastfeeding mothers against some types of cancer.”
The shower featured several presentations regarding the expectations of motherhood and the benefits of breastfeeding and covered a number of educational topics such as breast anatomy and what to expect and what will happen with their body; how breastfeeding works, positioning the baby for nursing; determining how much food the baby needs, how to know when the baby is getting enough, the importance of proper nutrition throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding, and what to expect while in the hospital for delivery. Other presentations focused on safety issues and proper installations of car seats, and the convenience of, and the proper way to carry the baby with a baby sling.
In addition to the presentations the event featured a panel of five nursing mothers. Three that serve as peer counselors through the WIC program. Two community breastfeeding advocates that support breastfeeding. The panel shared their experiences and fielded questions regarding breastfeeding.
“It was a good opportunity to engage in open conversation with mothers that are willing to candidly share their stories,” said Mary Ellen Pierce CDN, IBCLC, breastfeeding coordinator and nutritionist with WIC. “Our peer advocates - mothers who have previously or are currently breastfeeding - offer the proper education necessary for expectant mothers to successfully begin breastfeeding. They are an excellent resource as they provide education and encouragement while empowering mothers who would like to breastfeed their children.”
As no baby shower is complete without gifts, each mother at the event went home with a handmade double-ring sling. The slings allow parents to securely carry a newborn or a toddler and still have two free hands free. Lisa Emmons of Mother Earth Baby along with other facilitators assisted the mothers in preparing the fabric and sewing their own double-ring sling. Upon completion, the mothers were taught the proper way to use the sling and the many advantages it offers.
The event concluded with a tour of Oswego Hospital’s OB Unit.
“The Community Baby Shower is a wonderful opportunity for first time mothers to learn about breastfeeding and what to expect and will happen with their body. We are proud to be a part of the Oswego County Breastfeeding Coalition and are happy to serve as the host for this annual event,” added Kathy Distin, RNC, IBCLC with Oswego Health.
“It was a learning experience for our mothers and an excellent way to raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding,” said Pierce. “I’m happy that we were able to collaborate with the Oswego County Breastfeeding Coalition, Oswego Hospital, Mother Earth Baby, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County, the OCO WIC program, and the Pregnancy Care Center to make this event possible.”
The Oswego County Breastfeeding Coalition Baby Shower and other events it hosts are made possible solely through donations of foods, fabric, and other funds from area businesses and the participating agencies. “The support that we receive is greatly appreciated. I would also like to acknowledge Oswego Hospital, The Oswego Bagelry, and Oswego Price Chopper for providing refreshments. Their support helps to ensure that we will be able to hold this event for years to come. Those wishing to help support the efforts of the Oswego County Breastfeeding Coalition may contact Lisa Emmons, at 315-216-4622,” added Keltz.
For more information on the benefits of breastfeeding, or the many services offered through the WIC Program, you may visit their main office located at the OCO Oswego Health Center, 10 George Street in Oswego, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., or call them at 315-343-1311, or toll free 1-888-730-3803.
One of Oswego County’s largest employers, OCO provides more than 50 human service programs that touch the lives of approximately 20,000 county residents each year. OCO’s mission is to build partnerships that improve the quality of life and create successful communities. Visit OCO on the web at www.oco.org. Oswego County Opportunities is a member agency of the United Way of Greater Oswego County.
