Ocala, Fla. — The first week of August is World Breastfeeding Week, and to help local parents understand more about the benefits and importance of breastfeeding, the Florida Department of Health in Marion County is hosting a free resource fair.

The event will highlight programs and information available from DOH-Marion and other local agencies that support breastfeeding and early child development.

Breastfeeding is an important component of children-rearing. It provides babies nutrition and boosts their immune system, while also strengthening the bond between mom and child.

But breastfeeding can be a challenge for some families. Some of those challenges can be physical or psychological. But others can stem from a lack of community support or awareness of helpful resources. 

DOH-Marion’s breastfeeding resource seeks to supply answers to both situations.

Staff from several DOH-Marion programs will be on hand to offer information and answer questions about breastfeeding. They include members of the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, Healthy Start, Health Education and our dental clinic.

Representatives of the Early Learning Coalition of Marion County also will be present.

The event is from 10–11:30 a.m. on Aug. 3 at DOH-Marion’s main office, 1801 SE 32^nd Ave., Ocala.

The fair is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served, and door prizes will be given away.

For more information, call 352-622-1161.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.