August 1-7 is World Breastfeeding Week. This year’s theme is “Empower Parents, Enable Breastfeeding.” The Southeast Health District and your local health department want to encourage mothers to breastfeed their babies. It is beneficial to both mother and baby. Experts recommend that babies need no other food besides mother’s milk until they are six months old. Even when babies start eating solid foods, they still need the protection breast milk can offer.

Parents and caregivers (for single mothers) can provide excellent support and encouragement for mothers wanting to breastfeed their babies. Breastfeeding is natural, and it’s healthy.  It’s just that simple! For more information, contact your local health department.