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PUTNAM COUNTY, N.Y. -- Putnam Countys breast-feeding moms will join thousands of others around the world for the 2014 Big Latch On on Friday, Aug. 1.
The annual event, an opportunity to support and promote breast-feeding, is traditionally held during World Breast-feeding Week, Friday, Aug. 1 through Thursday, Aug. 7. Last year more than 14,000 children were breast-fed simultaneously in 845 locations in 28 countries.
Putnams Big Latch-On is hosted by the Putnam County Department of Health and will take place at the Carmel Fire Department, 94 Gleneida Ave., the only site in Putnam County. Participants will receive goody bags, door prizes will be awarded, and refreshments will be served.
The latch-on event is part of our broader initiative to promote and support this highly beneficial practice for both maternal and infant health, said Health Commissioner Dr. Allen Beals, who spent 22 years practicing as an obstetrician/gynecologist, delivering more than 4,000 babies.
Among other programs, the PCDOH also provides a free breast-feeding support group, which meets bimonthly with Health Department nurses who are also international board-certified lactation consultants.
Registration for the event begins at 9:45 a.m., and latch-on is promptly at 10:30 a.m. Moms should arrive by 10 a.m. to complete registration and settle in, and are encouraged to bring a blanket, pillow or cushion for more comfortable seating.
All breast-feeding mothers in Putnam and surrounding counties are invited to participate and help break last years record. Siblings, other family members and friends are welcome as well.
For more information or to pre-register, call 845-808-1390, ext. 43119. To learn more about the Big Latch On, visit www.biglatchon.org.
For more information on the Putnam Health Deparement's maternal child health programs, visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/putnamparents.
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