On October 3, 2009 the Breastfeeding Initiative of Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH) and Richmond University Hospital is participating in the 2009 Global Breastfeeding Challenge, a worldwide effort to raise awareness on the importance of breastfeeding. Mothers and children at sites across the United States and other countries will compete to set the record for the most children breastfeeding at one time.

Why this challenge?  Breastfeeding has many well-documented benefits including better health for both mothers and babies. However, many women fail to meet their own breastfeeding goals and wean their children prematurely, well before meeting recommended guidelines. Two of the biggest hurdles for mothers continue to be lack of support and marginalization by the community. In North America this lack of support is demonstrated, as many women find breastfeeding in public a major barrier.

The Breastfeeding Initiative of Staten Island University Hospital and Richmond University Hospital is committed to promoting breastfeeding, protecting a women's right to breast feed her child, and ensuring the availability of quality health services for breastfeeding mothers. The NYC Department of Health collaborates with and supports healthcare professionals and community groups working to increase breastfeeding rates on Staten Island.

This event is being sponsored by Staten Island chapter of New York State Women, Inc.

When: Saturday, October 3 ^rd, 2009, 11 a.m.