Saint Luke’s East Hospital will host a walking parade in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week from 10 a.m. to noon on Monday, July 30. Sponsored by the Lactation Support Group at Saint Luke’s East Hospital, the event will take place around a half mile walking trail on the hospital campus. The parade will include babies and families as well as staff and any breastfeeding supporters from the community. Participants are encouraged to decorate strollers and wagons.
“Saint Luke’s East Hospital is dedicated to promoting breastfeeding in our community,” said Brenda Cornell, manager of maternity services at Saint Luke’s East Hospital. “Our goal is to continue to educate the community about all the benefits of breast milk and celebrates breastfeeding in a fun way. From vitamins and nutrients to protecting babies from illness, breast milk is the best choice.”
In May 2018 Saint Luke’s East Hospital became the first in Eastern Jackson County, and 14th hospital in the state of Missouri to earn Missouri Show-Me 5 recognition from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for maternity care practices that support breastfeeding.
Saint Luke’s East Hospital is located at 100 Northeast St. Luke’s Boulevard in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. The parade will form in front of the maternity entrance at the hospital’s east side.
Following the parade, a lactation specialist and families will be available to talk about the importance of breastfeeding. Also from 11 a.m. to noon the Lactation Support Group will meet and feature baby weight checks and support group time.
The Lactation Support Group at Saint Luke’s East Hospital regularly meets Mondays from 10 a.m. to noon at the Legacy Conference Room on the 3rd floor of the hospital and first and third Wednesdays from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Hastings Room on the first floor of the hospital.
World Breastfeeding Week is coordinated by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action, a global network of individuals and organizations concerned with the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding worldwide. Partners include the International Lactation Consultant Association, Wellstart International and La Leche League International.
