Kitsap Public Health District, 345 6th Street, Suite 300, Bremerton, WA 98337
Kitsap Supports Breastfeeding
Our Mission
Our Mission
Kitsap Supports Breastfeeding encourages, protects, supports, and provides resources for breastfeeding mothers and their families. This campaign assists mothers and their families in achieving their breastfeeding goals through community advocacy, education, and the creation of a more welcoming breastfeeding environment throughout Kitsap County.
Why Breastfeeding is Important
Breastmilk Provides the Perfect Nutrition for Our Babies!
Breastmilk has the right amount of fat, sugar, water, protein, and minerals needed for a baby's growth and development. As your baby grows, your breastmilk changes to adapt to the baby's changing nutritional needs.
Breastmilk Protects Our Babies From a Variety of Diseases and Conditions
The American Academy of Pediatrics continues to support evidence that breastfeeding protects against: Allergies, Bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream), Diarrhea, Respiratory Tract Infections, Ear Infections, Urinary Tract Infections, Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, Lymphoma, Leukemia, and Hodgkins Disease, Child Obesity, Late-Onset Sepsis in Preterm Infants, Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC is a devastating disease that affects mostly the intestine of premature infants).
Breastmilk is Environment-Friendly
Breastmilk is a naturally renewable resource that requires no packaging, shipping, or disposal.
Breastfeeding Provides Health Benefits for Mom's as Well
Breastfeeding triggers the release of a hormone called oxytocin that causes the uterus to contract. This helps the uterus to return to it's normal size more quickly and may decrease the amount of bleeding you have after giving birth.
Breastfeeding burns as many as 500 extra calories each day, which may make it easier to lose the weight you gained during pregnancy.
Woman who breastfeed have lower rates of breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
Woman who breastfeed longer have lower rates of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Breastfeeding Saves Money
Formula feeding can cost a family $1,500 or more for the baby's first year. Breastfed babies are less likely to need excessive medical attention as they grow resulting in less medical expenses.
For a printable PDF version of this information, CLICK HERE.
How Kitsap County Supports Breastfeeding
St. Michael Medical Center is an Award-Winning Hospital for Providing Excellent Breastfeeding Support
The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) and International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) have recognized St. Michael Medical Center for excellence in lactation care. Additionally, St. Michael Medical Center has received the Gold Breastfeeding Friendly Washington Award and has received a Baby-Friendly Hospital designation by Baby-Friendly USA.
Kitsap Public Health District in Partnership with St. Michael Medical Center Launch a Kitsap Supports Breastfeeding Campaign
Kitsapsupportsbreastfeeding.com is a website that is designed to support breastfeeding women. Up to date breastfeeding resources and information will be available on the website as well as community events. Pictures of breastfeeding women will be displayed on billboards and posters throughout Kitsap County.
The Kitsap County Breastfeeding Coalition
The Mission is to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding by providing mothers, and their families, with the education and resources that will assist them in achieving their breastfeeding goals. The Kitsap County Breastfeeding Coalition continues to support women annually at the Kitsap County Fair by hosting a Baby-Friendly Lounge.
https://www.facebook.com/kitsap-county-breastfeeding-coalition-583012128411949
Founding Agencies
