Aviano celebrates World Breastfeeding Week 2011

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Katherine Windish
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  This is the first part of a two-part series highlighting Team Aviano's World Breastfeeding 2011 Celebration.

In honor of World Breastfeeding Week 2011, the 31st Medical Group is sponsoring several events to promote and educate women about breastfeeding Aug. 1-7.

World Breastfeeding Week promotes and supports breastfeeding mothers across the globe. The annual observance highlights the importance of communication between physicians and mothers, and ensures all parties have the education necessary to make them successful.

Dr. Adriano Cattaneo, the European Union's surgeon general equivalent, is scheduled to speak at a luncheon 11 a.m. Aug. 1 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.

"How often do mothers get recognized for their hard work? Not often enough," said Patty Omodt, 31st MDG lactation consultant. "This [coin presentation] is an opportunity for mothers to be recognized for doing something great for their baby."

An international potluck dinner open to local nationals will be held 5 p.m. Aug. 5 at the Area D community room, featuring the film "Babies," a documentary about four children from different parts of the world. A 5K breastfeeding awareness run/walk will be held 9 a.m. Aug. 6 at the Dragon Fitness Center. Representatives from Aviano Breastfeeding Support Group, the Pordenone hospital, World Health Organization, UNICEF, Women, Infants and Children, Aviano AB clinic, and New Parent Support will be distributing promotional material at the Aviano Exchange and the Pordenone market throughout the week.

"We are trying to change culture and make breastfeeding the norm," said Omodt. "Educating our people about the benefits of breastfeeding and the risks of not breastfeeding, will lead us towards a healthy population."

For more information about World Breastfeeding Week events, contact the lactation consultant at DSN 632-9010.