Breastfeeding Support Group

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, May 05, 2010

Breastfeeding Support Groups in Beaverton and Hillsboro

"Good information and a strong support system are important for breastfeeding moms" says Jan Apland-Curtis, a Dietitian and Lactation Consultant with the Washington County WIC program. Most breastfeeding problems are easy to fix if moms have the right information and a place to go for guidance and support. Many moms want to know about putting baby comfortably to the breast, making more milk, dealing with unsupportive family and friends, and returning to work or school.

Washington County has breastfeeding support groups to help moms get the most out of their breastfeeding experience. These "Breastfeeding Circles" help moms in all stages of breastfeeding, from those with newborns to those nursing an older baby or toddler. Breastfeeding plays a big role in the health of moms and babies; therefore, getting more moms to breastfeed is an important goal of public health. Breastfeeding can lower the risk of childhood obesity, diabetes, illnesses, certain childhood cancers, and SIDS.

Moms also benefit from breastfeeding. Women who breastfeed have lower rates of certain cancers, diabetes, and postpartum depression. Breastfeeding can also improve bone health, leading to less broken bones in later years. If 90% of mothers gave only breastmilk to their babies for the first 6 months of life, the United States would save $13 billion dollars in health related costs and there would be over nine hundred less infant deaths per year.*

WIC Lactation Consultants and Breastfeeding Peer Counselors lead the Breastfeeding Circles. During the meetings, moms can discuss issues such as infant growth and development, establishing a good milk supply, dealing with fussy babies, infant sleep and feeding patterns, and how to use a breast pump. Nursing moms are welcome to come once or drop in as often as they like. All moms are welcome and they do not need to be on the WIC program to attend. Fathers and family member are also welcome.

* Pediatrics, May 2010; 125: e1048 - e1056

Meeting Times and locations:

Hillsboro: Hillsboro WIC Clinic ((155 N First Ave)

English Breastfeeding Circle 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month from 11:00 to noon

Spanish Breastfeeding Circle 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month from 9:30 to 10:30

Beaverton: Beaverton Resource Center (12500 SW Allen Blvd)

English Breastfeeding Circle 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 11:00 to noon

Spanish Breastfeeding Circle 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 9:30 to 10:30

Jan Apland-Curtis may be reached at 503-846-8610.

Media Contact: