Community Comes Out to Support Breastfeeding at Ice Cream Social

A little rain couldn’t dampen spirits at the third annual Baby’s Best Fest, a celebration of World Breastfeeding Month held August 6 in Oak Ridge. Mild temperatures and the lure of big ice cream sundaes shared with friends brought out more than 50 moms, dads, kids and friends to show their support of breastfeeding babies.The event took place at Bissell Park and was sponsored by Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, Le Leche League, and the Anderson County Health Department.

“Breastfeeding is the healthiest, most nourishing option for babies,” says Cheryl Stalling, RN, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant at Methodist Medical Center. “We want to encourage all new and expectant mothers to consider breastfeeding, and this event is our way to remind women that Anderson County has a fantastic support network to help them succeed.”

In addition to an ice cream social, guests enjoyed games and raffles, playing with bubbles, and creating bibs that expressed the many reasons they support breastfeeding.

During the celebration, four community organizations and businesses were recognized for their commitment to supporting breastfeeding mothers and babies. Winners were Kern Memorial United Methodist Church, which has hosted Methodist’s Mommy & Co. Exercise class for more than a decade; Razzleberry’s Ice Cream Lab for their family-friendly atmosphere and support of the Oak Ridge Moms group; First United Methodist Church, which hosts the Oak Ridge Mom’s group; and the Clinton Public Library, which is working in conjunction with the Anderson County Health Department to host a new breastfeeding support group.

Class is Now in Session

Are you expecting and interested in learning more about breastfeeding? Then Methodist has a class for you. Even a little information can help you succeed in breastfeeding and will help you decide if it’s right for you and your baby. Methodist Medical Center offers evening and daytime classes each month. The next breastfeeding classes will take place Monday, August 31 at 6 p.m. and Tuesday, September 1 at noon. Both classes are approximately two hours and registration is required. For more information, additional class dates or to register, call (865) 835-4662.

Education, Support, and Beyond

While breastfeeding is a natural process, it does not always come easily to mother or baby. That’s why the expert staff at Methodist’s Family Birthing Center is trained to offer breastfeeding support. Methodist also offers an International Board-certified lactation consultant who meets with every breastfeeding mom to follow-up on any feeding issues.

Methodist’s Family Birthing Center provides mothers with additional resources such as breastfeeding support groups, supplies, and information on breast pump rentals. Staff also follow-up after delivery with discharge phone calls and will even schedule follow up visits at any point in the post partum period if a mom needs additional help breastfeeding.

Learn more about the Family Birthing Center at Methodist. Visit www.mmcoakridge.com/childbirth.