Mother-Centric Event Offers a Day of Relaxation
The Wood County Breastfeeding Coalition offers local Mom’s a day of relaxation, shopping and educational experiences at their 4th Annual MommyFest on Saturday, February 24th. Starting at 10:00 am at Hotel Marshfield, over 20 vendors and educators alike will be on hand to support and offer advice on decisions that nursing mothers face every day. The event is free to the public.
Betsy Mancl, communications Committee Chair and 3-year coalition member, said this event is a great opportunity for mothers. “It’s a day for moms to come relax, shop a little, learn about being healthy, and services that are provided in the area. There is also free on-site childcare.”
The Coalition, made up of a group of community individuals, works to promote breastfeeding through system, policy, and environmental changes.
“The ultimate goal is to increase breastfeeding duration, which will increase the health of our community. We are also a support system for breastfeeding families,” said Mancl.
Various educational tables include the hosts, Wood County Breastfeeding Coalition. Also attending will be: Marshfield Medical Center Birth Center, Marshfield Clinic, Marshfield Area Babywearers, Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) of Marshfield , Wood County WIC, Central WI Doulas, Changes Within Pediatric Chiropractic Care, Cloth Diapering Education, Young Living Essential Oils, and PIER Lifespan/Respite. These groups support the healthy benefits that breastfeeding provides and can answer questions on the benefits of nursing.
The benefits of breastfeeding will be voiced throughout MommyFest. “There are numerous benefits of breastfeeding, not just for baby, but for mom, the community and the environment as well,” said Mancl. “We know that breastfed babies are typically healthier then their formula fed counterparts, because breast milk is a living organism that helps fight diseases and infections, they are less likely to have allergies or asthma as they get older. Breast milk is easier digested then formula, making it easier on their tummies and digestive tracts.”
“Moms that have breastfed have a significantly lower chance of breast cancer, less severe postpartum depression or baby blues, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and its easier on finances at home!” added Mancl. “It affects the community by simply having healthier individuals working and living it in. It’s easier on the environment because there are no formula cans to throw away!”
For relaxation during the day, massage and spa services will be offered along with silent auction items. Cash and carry vendors will be on hand with fun and useful items that any busy mom will enjoy. Those vendors include: Plexus, Cherish, Burp n Rags, Color Street, LulaRoe, Tealightful, Melting Hearts Candle Company, Wildtree, Usborne Books, Lipsense, Divinely Dakota, Gallery on the Go, Back to Bliss, Making Music Together, Origami Owl, DoTerra, Pampered Chef, Pink Zebra, Fab Fashion Box, Thirty One Bags, Paparazzi, Scentsy, Perfectly Posh, It Works, Threaded Love, Norwex, Lilla Rose, Mary Kay, D & T Bouncehouse Rentals, Letters by Lindsey, Cottage on 10th, Piphany, Beauty Counter, and Jensen Honey.
For more information on the Wood County Breastfeeding Coalition, please visit: http://www.woodcountybreastfeeding.org.
