Events at The Horse Farm on Saturday, Aug. 3 kick off month long celebrations of breast feeding awareness.
August is breastfeeding awareness month, and several Acadiana organizations have events scheduled to celebrate and educate the public on the benefits of breastfeeding and how to support nursing moms. Here is a list of events in the Acadiana area free to the public:
Saturday, Aug. 3
Acadiana Breastfeeding Coalition rings the bell at The Horse Farm at 8 a.m as City-Parish President Joey Durel signs a proclamation declaring August Breastfeeding Awareness Month. Coalition members will be on hand during the market to promote upcoming events in August.
Lafayette Moms group hosts The Big Latch On at The Horse Farm - this is part of a worldwide event to set a record for the most babies nursed at one time and to promote the normalcy of nursing in public. The event begins at 10 a.m., however organizers are asking participants to arrive 30 minutes early for registration.
Aug. 6, 7, and 8
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Opelousas General Health System presents an educational fair in the main lobby and information on a community baby shower scheduled for Aug. 21 from 4-6 p.m. in the third floor auditorium.
Saturday, Aug. 17
10-11:30 a.m.
Acadiana Breastfeeding Coalition's third annual Breastfeeding Awareness Celebration will be held at the Lafayette South Regional Library branch at 6101 Johnston St. There will be a baby wearing style show, door prizes and presentations of Liquid Gold awards to local businesses that are nursing friendly. Contact Hope Granger for additional information.
Wednesday, Aug. 21
4-8 p.m.
OGHS hosts a community baby shower in the third floor auditorium for the public to visit with various support organizations and vendors with information for pregnant and breast-feeding mothers. Following the shower, an educational seminar will be offered. Call (337) 594-3804 for more details.
Thursday, Aug. 29
The annual Lafayette General Medical Center event, Breast-feeding for All the Right Reasons, will be held in the Owen Auditorium at 6:30 featuring a panel of speakers presenting the benefits of breast feeding from different perspectives. The panel includes area moms, advocates and a local pediatrician. Refreshments and door prizes are also part of the celebration. Call (337) 289-7780 to register.