To submit comments, or to suggest items for this newsletter or First5LA.org, contact Denise Nix, writer/editor, at DNix@First5LA.org or 213-482-7831.
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Click events below to view full listings.
Creating an Inclusive Program for Young Children
Thurs., Aug. 11, 2011
9 a.m. - Noon
Taproot Foundation Pro Bono Boot Camp
Wed., Aug. 10, 2011
10 a.m. - Noon
African Art, Music and Food Festival
Sat., Sept. 3 -
Mon., Sept. 5, 2011
Baby-Friendly Staff Training: Birth & Beyond LA
Tues., Sept. 6 and Tues., Sept. 20, 2011
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
DC: 0-3 R/ ICARE Training Featuring Mayra Mendez, PhD, LMFT
Mon., Sept. 12 -
Tues., Sept. 13, 2011
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The OTHER Learning Environment: Meeting the Head Start Outcomes Framework Outdoors! Webinar
Thurs., Sept. 15, 2011
1 - 2 p.m. EDT
The Affordable Care Act and Beyond: Opportunities for Achieving Health Equity
Sat., Sept. 9, 2011
9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Infant Development Association Conference: Wonder and Resilience of Young Children
Fri., Sept. 23 -
Sat., Sept. 24, 2011
Baby-Friendly Train the Trainer Workshop: Birth and Beyond LA
Mond., Oct. 3 and
Oct. 11, 2011
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
House Party Weekend
Fri., Oct. 14 -
Sun., Oct. 16, 2011
DIR/Floortime: A State-of-the-Art Approach for People with Special Needs
Sat., Oct. 15, 2011
9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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More Child-Friendly Bills Slated For Hearings
Key legislators are scheduled to meet on possible new laws on issues including fetal alcohol syndrome and health care. More »
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Best Start Metro LA: The Pioneer
Getting a one-year head start as a Best Start community, Metro LA is building partnerships based on trust to improve the lives of children. More »
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Get Connected, Stay Informed
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Subscribe to the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network's Newsletter
CPEHN's quarterly newsletter, Health Equity Forum, highlights the work of California's health advocates, delivers pertinent policy updates and offers a comprehensive list of multicultural health resources, funding opportunities and events. Click here to subscribe»
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Perinatal, Prenatal and Pregnancy
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Pregnancy Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction
Pregnant women can get lots of conflicting advice on food, exercise and beauty treatments. More »
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Breastfeeding Call to Action
For this year's reminder that August is World Breastfeeding Month, I'd like to commend U.S. Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin for issuing a breastfeeding "Call to Action." Rightly, Benjamin says that it is up to everyone - from families and communities to employers and lawmakers - to support women who want to breastfeed their babies.
The Call to Action notes that breastfeeding is "one of the most highly effective preventive measures a mother can take to protect the health of her infant and herself." However, it adds that, while 75 percent of mothers in the U.S. start out breastfeeding, only 13 percent of babies are exclusively breastfed at the end of six months. In Los Angeles County, breastfeeding rates are increasing; however, in 2009, only 21.6 percent of babies were still fully breastfed at 12 months, according to WIC. "The decision to breastfeed is a personal one, and a mother should not be made to feel guilty if she cannot or chooses not to breastfeed," Benjamin wrote in the Call to Action. "The success rate among mothers who want to breastfeed can be greatly improved through active support from their families, friends, communities, clinicians, health care leaders, employers and policymakers." Benjamin's Call to Action outlines 20 very do-able measures including: - Develop programs to educate fathers and grandmothers about breastfeeding.
- Use community-based organizations to promote and support breastfeeding.
- Ensure that the marketing of infant formula is conducted in a way that minimizes its negative impacts on exclusive breastfeeding.
- Develop systems to guarantee continuity of skilled support for lactation between hospitals and health care settings in the community.
- Provide education and training in breastfeeding for all health professionals who care for women and children.
- Work toward establishing paid maternity leave for all employed mothers.
- Improve national leadership on the promotion and support of breastfeeding.
First 5 LA is working to ensure that new Los Angeles County mothers have the breastfeeding support they need through the Baby-Friendly Hospital Project , Welcome Baby and by backing legislation that prioritizes breastfeeding for hospitals caring for new mothers. I encourage you to visit Benjamin's Call to Action website and see what you and your organization can do. Evelyn V. Martinez
Chief Executive Officer
First 5 LA ### "Evie's Desk" is a regular feature of our weekly newsletter, "Monday Morning Report." Subscribe now or view past issues.
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