T-L Photos/ROBERT A. DEFRANK LEFT: Angelica Radevski, from left, and Lexie Hess, registered nurses with WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital, provide information to new and expectant mothers such as Melissa Lennox of Martins Ferry, expecting, at “Mama-Palooza” Wednesday at the Bellaire City Park in conjunction with National Breastfeeding month. Also pictured is Lennox’s daughter, Brooklynn Edwards.

BELLAIRE — Belmont County marked August as National Breastfeeding Month on Wednesday with a “Mama-Palooza” at the Bellaire City Park to promote breastfeeding.

Agencies such as Help Me Grow, WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital, WVU Medicine Reynolds Memorial Hospital, The Village Network, CareSource, Head Start, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and Belmont County Women, Infants and Children were present to provide information to new and expectant mothers and connect them with resources for young children.

Lori DeCoy, WIC supervisor, said about 20 people showed up from across the county.

Melissa Lennox of Martins Ferry is expecting a child and commented on the benefits of breastfeeding.

“I breastfed all my kids, so I plan on doing the breastfeeding this time too,” she said. “I’ve seen a huge health benefit. My son was in a (newborn intensive care unit) for 28 days (and is now a healthy 6-year-old).

“I just had a baby and I’m breastfeeding,” Destiny Vaughn of Martins Ferry said, adding this was her first baby and she is interested in learning more about the health benefits. “It was a good way to come out, learn about it and get to know some people. … They give out free books, they mail it out to your house for the kids, and the Early Head Start to get the kids into it. … They have a lot of resources.”

“A lot of people are anxious and excited about the classes and the continuing care,” Angelica Radevski, a registered nurse with WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital, said.

In addition, the Belmont County commissioners recognized Breastfeeding Week, celebrated Aug. 1-7 this year.

DeCoy and Kristin Parker, breastfeeding peer helping with WIC, reported their progress on promoting breastfeeding and making parents aware of the health benefits to the practice. They were joined by Katie Bayness, breastfeeder and Belmont County Human Resources administrator, husband Kenny, and young children.

DeCoy reported the number of Belmont County breastfeeders has increased to 52 from the average of about 40 or so.

Issues such as the formula shortage may have played some role in the increase.

“We’re not sure if it’s just because of the shortage in formula or not,” she said.

DeCoy said research suggests breastfeeding’s positive benefits include reducing the risk of several diseases.

They also encourage businesses and communities to make mothers feel more comfortable nursing in public. According to Ohio Revised Code Section 3781.55, breastfeeding in public is legal in Ohio.

For more information, call WIC at 740-676-2232.