August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month, a time to promote the benefits of breastfeeding for infants and mothers.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention infants who are breastfed have reduced risks of asthma, obesity, type 2 diabetes, ear and respiratory infections, and sudden infant death syndrome. Washington County Public Health offers free counseling and support for mothers looking for assistance. Lactation Counselor Carol Detweiler leads a breastfeeding support group that meets this Friday at the Kalona Public Library. She shares the benefits of this monthly gathering, “It’s a good social time, a time to get out and meet some other other mothers who are breastfeeding. Some moms have come with questions and the other moms maybe have experienced the same thing and can give some advice or something that has worked for them.”

Detweiler provides a scale for any mothers wishing to weigh their infants and discuss any issues or questions a mother may have. The support group meets the second Friday of every month from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Kalona Public Library, and walk ins are welcome.