August 25, 2006

MGH recognizes World Breastfeeding Week

To celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, the MGH hosted a three-day information table in the Main Corridor, where obstetricians, nutrition specialists and lactation consultants were on hand to answer questions along with representatives from the MGH Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which organizes the Mother's Corner — a breastfeeding support program for employees. Germaine Lambergs, RN, an MGH lactation consultant at the event, noticed a trend in the stories women shared that day reflecting a change in the way breastfeeding is regarded today versus 35 years ago. "We have come a long way supporting and learning about breastfeeding, she says. "We work diligently at the MGH to improve breastfeeding education and support our families." The World Breastfeeding Week was initiated in 1992 by the World Alliance of Breastfeeding Action (WABA). Along with more than 120 countries, the MGH honors this year's theme, "Code Watch: 25 Years of Protecting Breastfeeding." The MGH's multidisciplinary lactation program works to educate families and promote a breastfeeding-friendly environment within the hospital with the help of obstetricians, pediatricians, lactation consultants, the EAP, nutrition specialists, speech and language specialists, neonatalogists and nurse practitioners. For more information, call (617) 726-6976.

A new mother visits an information table during World Breastfeeding Week.