Networking event to support breastfeeding on Apr. 7

The Healthy Beginnings Partnership of Greater Prince William and the Alexandria Breastfeeding Promotion Committee are celebrating a new law supporting breastfeeding with a fun networking event. The NOVA Breastfeeding Partners Happy Hour will be held on Tuesday, April 7 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Fiona’s Irish Pub in Alexandria.

On March 9, Gov. Terry McAuliffe signed a bill that passed unanimously in both the House and Senate that allows women to legally breastfeed in public places. Virginia is now the 49th state to pass such legislation. Previously, state law only protected breastfeeding in pubic on property owned, leased or controlled by the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “the beneficial effects of breastfeeding children are well documented and include a lower risk for ear and respiratory infections, atopic dermatitis, gastroenteritis, necrotizing enterocolitis, type 2 diabetes and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).”

Breastfeeding benefits mothers, too. The CDC reports that breastfeeding decreases the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and type 2 diabetes. It also speeds the return of uterine tone, stopping post-birth bleeding and temporarily suppressing ovulation, which aids the spacing of children.

This event will welcome breastfeeding advocates, community members, professionals and anyone interested in becoming involved with local coalitions throughout Northern Virginia. Fiona’s Irish Pub is located at 5810 Kingstowne Center in Alexandria.