Ice, Ice Baby! Community Comes Out to Support Breastfeeding at Ice Cream Social

A warm summer evening, a shady tree grove, and cool, deliciously drippy ice cream… it was just the right combination for a successful and fun celebration of World Breastfeeding Month, held August 3 in Oak Ridge. More than 50 moms, dads, kids and friends came out for the Baby’s Best Fest celebration to show their support of breastfeeding babies.

The event took place at Bissell Park and was sponsored by Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, the Anderson County Health Department WIC Program and La Leche League.

“Breastfeeding is the healthiest, most nourishing option for babies,” says Cheryl Stallings, 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 face painting, bubbles, and adding to a special project displaying the many reasons they support breastfeeding.

During the celebration, Second Baptist Church of Clinton, was recognized for its dedicated service to supporting breastfeeding mothers and babies in our community. Sid Brewer and Debbie Thompson with Second Baptist were on hand to receive the award on behalf of their church.  They, along with Stallings, announced the launch of a brand new mom’s support group to be held at the church beginning in September.   This new support group is just an extension of a long and productive partnership between Methodist, Second Baptist, and the Anderson County Health Department/WIC that has brought a variety of health and wellness programming to the Clinton and Anderson County communities. 

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 breastfeeding classes each month. The next daytime breastfeeding class is Tuesday, August 8 at noon.  The next evening breastfeeding class will take place Monday, August 29 at 6 p.m.  Both classes are approximately two hours and registration is required. For more information 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 postpartum period if a mom needs additional help breastfeeding.

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