RivCo Children, Families Commission Touts Breastfeeding Support Services During Week of Awareness

This week is World Breastfeeding Week, and as such, a county organization which helps new mothers nurse wants locals to know of public programs they can take advantage of to facilitate the process.

"The Riverside County Children & Families Commission, better known as First 5 Riverside, recognizes the value of breastfeeding and its association with lower risks of obesity, diabetes and respiratory infections," the organization said in a press release Monday.  

According to First 5, the county has spent some $3.5 million on programs that support Riverside County mothers and their ability to breastfeed.

"Riverside County mothers can start a good network of support through WIC and First 5 Riverside-funded programs that include a 24-hour breastfeeding helpline (888-451-2499), home visits and education to health care personnel, child care providers and employers," First 5 said.

One of the programs, the free San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital Home Visiting Breastfeeding Program, helped out more than 1,850 mothers this past fiscal year, according to  First 5.

The program's director, Kari Spoelstra, says engorgement, soreness and infant weight loss are among common challenges news mothers face, but they can get expert advice in the convenience of their own home.

“It’s always challenging for mothers who are returning to school or work, but it is possible to continue exclusively breastfeeding,” said Jennifer Stewart, who oversees the Riverside County Loving Support Breastfeeding Program, which provided support over the phone to more than 9,000 mothers this past year.

For more information and advice call 888-451-2499 or visit www.lovingsupport.org. Businesses can also e-mail Spoelstra at kspoelstra@sgmh.org for assistance with providing employee pumping stations.