Breastfeeding Initiative by Local Healthy Start Partnership
Herkimer, NY – “Babies Are Born To Be Breastfed” is the theme of billboards that are posted around Herkimer County as part of a local breastfeeding initiative developed by the Healthy Start Partnership in Herkimer County.
The Healthy Start Partnership of Herkimer County is a coalition of health and nutrition professionals who are working to promote healthy weights in childbearing women and their infants. Agencies involved include Community Maternity Services, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Herkimer County, Herkimer County HealthNet, Herkimer County Public Health, Herkimer –Madison WIC, Mid-York Child Care Coordinating Council, and the Mohawk Valley Perinatal Network.
What does breastfeeding have to do with healthy weights? Women who do not breastfeed are heavier after each child compared to women who breastfeed for at least 6 months. Babies who are not breastfed are at increased risk for overweight and obesity in later life.
The first campaign in the local effort aims to increase the acceptance of breastfeeding by women and the community. Launched in January, the campaign has multiple components including billboard advertising; posters and other signage in community locations; TV and radio public service announcements; information for health teachers, school nurses and family and consumer science teachers; information for health care providers; presentations to the community; and a mailing to local businesses.
The Healthy Start Partnership includes an 8-county area served by Bassett Healthcare. It is part of a project being done by Christine M. Olson and her colleagues of Cornell University. The project’s goal is to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of the environmental interventions that help communities promote and support healthy lifestyles for women and their children.
For more information, please contact the Healthy Start Partnership c/o Herkimer HealthNet at 867-1552 or www.herkimerhealthnet.com.
Informational Links:
New York State Department of Health Breastfeeding Promotion
WIC: Breastfeeding Promotion & Support:
National Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign:
Breastfeeding: Best for Baby. Best for Mom:
Breastfeeding.Com:
World Health Organization Breastfeeding Information:
International Lactation Consultant Association:
Medela Breast Pumps & Breastfeeding Accessories:
La Leche League International
Resources for Breastfeeding Mother
