By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
August is National Breastfeeding Month, and the La Leche League of the Western Plains, along with the Ellis County Breastfeeding Coalition, is inviting mothers, mothers-to-be and their supporters to a breastfeeding awareness event from 10 to 11 a.m. on Aug. 14 in Massey Park, 17th and Allen, Hays. Refreshments will be served.
"Moms need lots of support, even experienced moms," said Monique Koerner, family and community wellness agent, Cottonwood Extension District and co-leader of the La Leche League of the Western Plains.
"I've worked with moms who have successfully breastfed three babies. But then there is the fourth one—something is different and more difficult with this baby."
Local La Leche League meetings are held at the Hays Public Library every second Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m.
"To be able to sit next to another mom, along with experienced and trained leaders who've gone through it themselves, is very helpful," Koerner said.
Co-leader of the group is Natalie Oborny, Hays.
Breastfeeding information is an important part of prenatal education for pregnant women, Koerner said.
"We have a different informal topic at each meeting. If a mom comes in with a specific question, we start with that. La Leche League helps all moms," she said.
Often, the focus is on reminding moms to take care of themselves.
"It's a support group with mental health awareness and social-emotional benefits, all wrapped up together," Koerner said. La Leche League was started by a bunch of stay-at-home moms, and they've built it into a worldwide campaign for parents."
Thursday was the kickoff of World Breastfeeding Week, August 1-7.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly signed a proclamation on Monday for Kansans to observe breastfeeding month. The theme this year is "Nourish, Sustain, Thrive."
Breastfeeding positively affects the health of infants and toddlers. "They're less likely to get sick," Koerner said.
There are also lots of positive health impacts for nursing mothers.
Women who breastfeed their children lower their risk of breast cancer. Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of ovarian cancer, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes, as reported by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Other studies show that breastfeeding can help lower the risk of osteoporosis and stroke.
Breastfeeding also positively impacts families financially and the environment.
Koerner said she benefitted greatly from the group when her children were young.
"I wouldn't be the person I am today without it," she said.
The Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition State of Breastfeeding in Kansas 2023 report has the most recent breastfeeding rates for Kansas along with action items and resources for individuals, employers, child care providers, health care professionals and others to support breastfeeding.
Additional information about breastfeeding is available online at:
https://www.usbreastfeeding.org/national-breastfeeding-month.html
https://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/