TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- August is breastfeeding awareness month, so the Leon County WIC program is celebrating with the community.
The group is hosting the inaugural WIC Walks for Breastfeeding.
It's a way to educate pregnant women on the benefits of breastfeeding, and bring moms together for advice and support.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mothers who breastfeed their children are at a healthier weight on average than those who do not. They also have a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, and breast and ovarian cancer. Children who are breastfed have a lower risk for developing respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, asthma, obesity, Type 2 diabetes and SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
WIC Walks for Breastfeeding is Saturday, August 8 from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Lake Ella in Tallahassee.
Free goodie bags will be given to walkers on a first-come, first-served basis. Walkers will also have a chance to win prize.
For more information about the WIC program in Leon County, call (800) 416-4123 or check out the Florida Breastfeeding Coalition's Quality Maternity Care Initiative.
