The Niagara County Department of Health is providing a shaded, private breastfeeding and baby changing station at the Niagara County Fair this year.
"Providing a cool and quiet space for breastfeeding mothers and babies, as well as an accessible changing area for all parents and children, supports the health and wellbeing of our community," Public Health Director Daniel J. Stapleton said.
The breastfeeding station has a temperature-controlled refrigerator for mothers to store breastmilk, a sink for washing hands, power outlets for expressing breastmilk, and air conditioning. A dual changing station is available to all families, separate from the private breastfeeding area.
"Mothers are also welcome to nurse their children under the shade of our blue trailer. We support all mothers, and seek to normalize breastfeeding as the most natural and nutritious source of food for babies," said Elise Pignatora, county director of public health planning and emergency preparedness, as well as certified lactation counselor. "We encourage the public to visit the station to learn more about the many benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby."
Volunteers from Opportunities Unlimited as well as P3 Center will provide education and assistance to those visiting the breastfeeding and baby changing station.
For the fourth year, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County has donated the space for the breastfeeding and baby changing station. Fairgoers can look for the blue trailer located next to the fairgrounds greenhouse. Members of the community will also receive information regarding the many services offered by the health department.
"We encourage everyone to visit us at the fair to learn more about how we promote and protect the health and safety of Niagara County residents and visitors," Stapleton said.
Over the course of the fair, public health professionals will be available to discuss topics such as lead prevention, rabies prevention, immunizations, chronic disease reduction, breastfeeding support, services for children with functional needs, and public health emergency preparedness.
For more information about the breastfeeding initiative, contact Pignatora at 716-439-7431. The five-day county fair runs from Aug. 2-6.
