Breastfeeding rooms open in Manassas, Manassas Park, Prince William County

Breastfeeding mothers in the area now have multiple options for taking care of their babies’ needs in comfort and privacy. The Prince William Health District (PWHD) and the Prince William Health Partnership have created dedicated breastfeeding rooms at several facilities throughout the greater Prince William area, according to a news release from Prince William County government.

The Obesity Prevention Through Healthy Communities grant has funded the rooms at these locations:

•  Prince William Health District Clinics in Manassas and Woodbridge
• Greater Prince William Community Health Center
• Manassas City Hall
• Manassas Park, Department of Social Services
• Manassas Park Community Center (under development)
• Prince William County Department of Social Services, Sudley North Government Center

Guidelines developed by scientific and health organizations worldwide, including the U.S. Surgeon General, recommend that mothers breastfeed. Finding a private area while away from home often has been an obstacle that has discouraged mothers from breastfeeding.

Dr. Alison Ansher, health director for the Prince William Health District, was quoted in the news release as saying, “The program isn’t just about comfort and privacy, but also protecting the health of the baby.ex Breastfed babies have a lower rate of many health problems such as ear infections, asthma, childhood obesity, diabetes, infections in premature babies, and even Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). By providing these breastfeeding rooms, we hope to encourage more women to breastfeed their babies, to help the babies grow into healthy children.”

For more information about breastfeeding, go to http://www.vahealth.org:80/DCN/Breastfeed/Community/breasthome.htm.