KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - During World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7) and beyond, Public Health - Seattle & King County is stressing the overwhelming benefits of breastfeeding. "Breastfeeding provides the optimal form of nutrition for babies, while fostering a very special parent-child relationship. It is a simple yet very effective way to build healthier communities," said King County Executive Ron Sims.

"Breastfeeding contributes to the health and well-being of mother and child. For a child, breastfeeding reduces the risk of ear infections, respiratory tract infections, diarrheal diseases and allergies, among numerous other acute and chronic illnesses," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County.

"Furthermore, breastfed infants may be less likely to become overweight as they grow older, and mothers who breastfeed may return to pre-pregnancy weight more quickly," said Plough.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately six months and continued breastfeeding for at least one year, and thereafter it recommends breastfeeding for as long as mutually desired. Since 2001, Washington State law has protected the right of a woman to breastfeed in public by maintaining that breastfeeding or expressing milk is not indecent exposure.

"If a mother has questions and concerns about breastfeeding, it's important to get help right away from a lactation expert or a medical provider. Most breastfeeding challenges are easily solved," said Dr. Nancy Danoff, pediatrician at Eastgate Public Health Center and member of the Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington.

Public Health's website has extensive information for working mothers and employers, pages in English and Spanish, local breastfeeding resources, 14 different breastfeeding fact sheets and a glossary of terms. Visit: www.metrokc.gov/health/breastfeeding

Current breastfeeding campaign

Beginning on August 1st, Public Health and the Healthy Mothers, Health Babies Coalition of Washington will post bus signs in over 200 Metro buses promoting breastfeeding as well as free breastfeeding packets. These packets, available in English ("Working & Breastfeeding...It's Worth It") and Spanish ("Dar Pecho Y Trabajar...Vale La Pena"), provide helpful information on how to successfully return to work and breastfeed, choose a day care for a breastfed baby, access resources and services that support breastfeeding women, and support breastfeeding employees. The free packet is available from the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies referral line 1-800-322-2588.

For more information on World Breastfeeding Week, visit the CDC at: www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding