Aviano celebrates World Breastfeeding Week

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Katherine Windish
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The 31st Medical Group will sponsor several base events to promote and educate women about breastfeeding July 30 through Aug. 4 in honor of World Breastfeeding Week 2012.

This year's theme is "The Road to Lifelong Health Begins with Breastfeeding," and highlights all the benefits of nursing for mothers, babies and the environment, as well as the importance of communication between physicians and mothers.

"World Breastfeeding Week is in its 20th year and is celebrated in more than 120 countries," said Molly Shakar, 31st MDG lactation consultant. "It's a way for countries and organizations to get together to promote, protect and support breastfeeding."

Robyn Roche-Paull, author of "Breastfeeding in Combat Boots: A Survival Guide to Successful Breastfeeding While Serving in the Military," is scheduled to speak at several events throughout the week. Roche-Paull is a U.S. Navy veteran and mother of three who has more than 12 years of experience helping nursing mothers.

In addition to several seminars being offered at the beginning of the week, Roche-Paull is scheduled to be the key note speaker during a luncheon held Aug. 1 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the La Bella Vista Club. During the luncheon, coins will be presented to mothers who breastfed exclusively for the first six months of their child's life.

Supervisors and first sergeants, as well as parents, are encouraged to attend the luncheon, said Shakar. It's important for employers to be informed about breastfeeding so they are able to support their new mothers.

For more information about the following list of events, contact the lactation consultant at DSN 632-9010.

-"HAZMAT and Breastfeeding: What you need to know" July 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the 31st MDG conference room.
-"What you Need to Know About Body Modification and Breastfeeding" July 30 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the 31st MDG conference room.
-"Pumps and Pumping in the Military: Oh My!" July 31 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Aviano Community Center.
-"Strategies to Support Breastfeeding in Combat Boots" July 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Aviano Community Center.
-Coin ceremony and luncheon Aug. 1 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at La Bella Vista Club. Anyone wishing to attend must register by e-mail Molly.Shakar@aviano.af.mil by July 26.
-"Breastfeeding Awareness Stroll" Aug. 4 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Dragon Fitness Center track. The event will include food, a bouncy castle, car seat safety checks and educational materials.