Breastfeeding Awareness Week: Aug 1st - Aug. 7th, 2003

Kangaroo Kids would like to invite you to celebrate National Breastfeeding Awareness Week, Aug 1st - Aug. 7th, 2003. Kangaroo Kids will kick-off this very special week with a fundraiser for breastpumps for families in need, discussion groups and storytelling.

Kangaroo Kids, Childrens Resale & Maternity Support Center, would like to invite you to celebrate Breastfeeding Awareness Week, Aug 1st - Aug. 7th, 2003. Kangaroo Kids will kick-off this very special week with a fundraiser for breastpumps for families in need, discussion groups and storytelling. We would love to have Show Me St. Louis here at Kangaroo Kids to celebrate Breastfeeding Awareness Week with us.

Kangaroo Kids has been helping families successfully breastfeed for over seven years and we are eager to introduce Slingaroos (Kangaroo Kids Baby Sling), breast pumps, other helpful products, and of course our Nursing Moms Group. The Nursing Moms Group meets every Thursday to answer questions, and assist new moms and babies with their many needs.

This week offers us a valuable opportunity to raise awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding. Health care professionals agree that breastfeeding improves the health of both baby and mother, providing a natural defense against many illnesses and allergies for babies and lowering the risks of osteoporosis and some cancers for their mothers. Breastfeeding provides the most complete source of nutrition for infants, enhancing their growth and development. Most important, breastfeeding helps to deepen the special bond that links mother and child.

Increasing the number of women in the United States who breastfeed their children remains a priority as we work to create a healthier nation. By observing this special week, we are moving toward our goal of improving the health of all women and giving our children a better start in life.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least a year to ensure the best possible nutrition and health for a baby. Leading medical and health officials share a belief that mothers will choose to continue breastfeeding if they are provided enough information to make an educated decision.

Human milk provides the ideal nutrients for infants, supports the infants brain development, and benefits society by decreasing health care costs. By breastfeeding, infants also develop immunity against allergies, receive protection against jaundice, suffer less frequent ear infections, and receive a natural immunization against illness.

Breastfeeding also has benefits for the mothers health by reducing the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, and by protecting against osteoporosis and anemia. According to a recent Washington Post article, studies show breastfeeding is a major factor that helps to reduce a womans lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.

For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact Tanya Griffin at 314.918.9100.