Wadley Regional Medical Center had its second annual Breastfeeding Celebration Tuesday evening in the hospital's main lobby. The event provided new and expecting mothers with information about breast-feeding and relevant topics.
"We just want to give them more information out there. It's a variety of resources for new or expecting moms," said Carlotta Endsley, Wadley lactation consultant. "We're also celebrating our second year of having a breast-feeding support group for the moms. That gives them an opportunity to get in touch with other moms and share tips and encouragement."
There were about 20 vendor booths at the event providing information about car seat safety, sleep safety, CPR and how to work with insurance companies to obtain a breast pump.
Wadley's event coincides with National Breast Feeding Month, a monthlong awareness campaign that aims to highlight the benefits of breast-feeding for mothers and babies.
At Wadley, Endsley helps new mothers who are trying to breast-feed.
"I visit with moms and ask how things are going and if they need any tips or they're having any problems," Endsley said. "I help them with positioning so it's comfortable for mom and baby. Moms sometimes have questions about pumping, so I help with that."
Bonding is one benefit of breast-feeding.
"You can certainly bond with baby when you formula feed too, but breast-feeding is a beautiful connection and it's perfect food for the baby," Endsley said.
"But I never try to force a mother to make a decision. It has to be her choice, but if there's a question in her mind about breast-feeding, then I'm available to get her information."