Watertown, New York ----- The Maternity Place at Samaritan Medical Center celebrated a very special birthday this year. The Breastfeeding Moms’ Support Group held its first meeting in February 2006 and has met on a weekly basis every since.

The educational classes are offered to mothers each Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., assisting them in answering questions about breastfeeding and nutrition, as well as offering other services, such as weekly weigh-ins for the newborns.

“In the beginning we had one mother, but today we average between 10-15 moms per week who share stories, assist one another, answer questions regarding their newborn and really have a great time. It especially helps the military moms whose husbands are currently stationed overseas,” stated Cathleen Dowe, Nurse Manager of The Maternity Place at SMC. “The collaborative effort between The Maternity Place and North Country Prenatal/Perinatal Council should be recognized for getting this program started and its continued success.”

Anne Beevers is a Maternal Child Health Specialist from North Country Prenatal/Perinatal Council who helps coordinate the group. “We are working so hard to advocate for moms to breastfeed because of its proven health benefits for the child and the mother,” explained Mrs. Beevers.

Olivia Z. Burbank, a stay at home mom who has attended the group since June 2006 could not agree more. “I look forward to coming to the group; I describe it as my mommy lifeline. I’m a stay at home mom, and I like the support from the others, especially with my husband being deployed in Iraq. I’ve met three of my best friends since first attending this group.”

The group meets in the Education Room in The Maternity Place and is always open to new members. Some of the first infants are still coming to the group and have built a friendship with their fellow toddlers. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Mrs. Dowe at 785-4050.

There is no fee to belong to the group.

For more information, please call The Maternity Place at (315) 785-4050.