The Osage Nation Women, Infants and Children program hosted its annual World Breastfeeding Week carnival at the Pawhuska Community Center on Aug. 14.
“We had approximately 90 people in attendance and everyone provided outreach from their programs to the participants. We served food, drinks, sno-cones, and popcorn along with games for the children in attendance,” said Manon Taylor, ON WIC Director. “The local merchants donated many items for door prizes. Other programs gave away items as well. The Shriner’s provided the popcorn for the event and provided information on their services.”
Taylor said World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) celebrates working together to produce sustainable results to increase the benefits of breastfeeding within the community. Evidence on the benefits of breastfeeding shows it aids in the survival of infants and helps them thrive, it has long-term health benefits for women, yields economic benefits and enhances the wellbeing of all. The ON WIC joined with the Osage County Health Department, Osage Nation CHR, Prevention, Childcare, Public Health Programs, the Shriner’s, and OSU Extension for this year’s event.
“This year’s theme focused on the importance of working together for the common good,” said Manon Taylor, WIC director. “In order to meet breastfeeding duration goals, it is important for mothers to receive support from their community, health care providers, child care providers, and employers, as well as their friends and family.”
The benefits of breastfeeding provides children with the nutrients they need to help with development and building a strong immune system, she said.
There were many donations for door prizes and for breastfeeding mothers this year. Leading Lady and Loving Moments donated packages of nursing bras, nursing covers and other items to breastfeeding participants, she said. This is the second year they have donated to Osage Nation WIC during WBW.
“Osage Nation WIC is extremely proud of the event and for the commitment of our breastfeeding staff of Donna Patterson, ON WIC Breastfeeding Supervisor, and Nicki Ingram and Mary Vargas, Peer Counselors. Also, all the WIC staff for their support of the event and their daily interaction with breastfeeding and potential breastfeeding mothers,” Taylor said. “We would also like to thank all the Osage Nation Programs who helped, OSU Extension staff, Shriner’s, Osage County Health Department staff and donation of event t-shirts, Leading Lady bras, Pawhuska merchants who donated door prizes and food. The Pawhuska Community Center was donated free of charge from Mike McCartney, Pawhuska City Manager. This was truly a Community Event and we look forward to next year!”
By
Osage News
Original Publish Date: 2017-08-30 00:00:00
