The sixth annual Breastfeeding on the Bluff is today in downtown St. Joseph. Berrien County Health Department lactation consultant Mistel de Varona tells WSJM News the event is to encourage the breastfeeding of babies and offer support to mothers. She says breastfeeding is healthier for the baby.
“Immediately, there’s better digestive health, a lower rate of SIDS, so breastfeeding actually impacts infant mortality,” De Varona said. “It decreases infant mortality, which is an issue in Berrien County.”
De Varona says CDC information shows not all mothers who want to breastfeed continue to do so for as long as recommended. Breastfeeding on the Bluff is a way to help mothers join each other in support.
“It’s going to be a really lovely gathering of breastfeeding families and also advocates. It can be really isolating to have a baby and be home breastfeeding that baby and you feel like you’re all alone. So, it’s really empowering to be around families who are experiencing the same thing.”
Breastfeeding on the Bluff will feature health information, activities for the kids, snacks and drinks, and a raffle. The Great Start Collaborative will also have a goodie bag giveaway. The event starts at 10 a.m. across from the Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library along the bluff. It’s being held as part of National Breastfeeding Month.
