Officials Laud Benefit of Breast-Feeding
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In an attempt to increase awareness on the nutritional value of breast-feeding for babies, nutritionists and public health officials around the county recognized this week as Breast Feeding Awareness Week.
Every city in the county, with the exception of Ojai and Camarillo, made proclamations in support of the awareness week Aug. 5-9, said Margie Wilcox Rose, administrator for the Women, Infants and Children nutritional program run by the Ventura County Public Health Office in Ventura.
“It has been a real big plus,” said Wilcox Rose. “We need our city leaders to say it’s OK and it’s natural. It is healthier for the babies and the communities in general.”
Wilcox Rose said nearly 50% of the 18,000 clients served at county clinics use baby formula.
Even though breast-feeding is a natural accompaniment to pregnancy, Wilcox Rose said, many women are not told by formula companies, doctors and nurses about its benefits.
Clients at the six countywide clinics are taught how to breast-feed and how to determine whether the baby is getting enough food and whether the baby is healthy.
“We are trying to allay some of their fears and take some of the mystery out of it,” Wilcox Rose said.
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