World Breastfeeding Week Caravan

by Veronica Volk | 08/02/2013 | 6:24pm

World Breastfeeding Week Caravan

NYC Breastfeeding Leadership Council leads a subway ride to raise awareness.

This week is World Breastfeeding Week, and some New York City women are celebrating.  Dozens of mothers and advocates met at the Russ Berrie Medical Science Pavilion at 168th St. in Manhattan, chanting and singing.  Some of the women carried posters and life-like cut outs of breastfeeding women, reminiscent of Madonna and Child.  Some of the women carried children of their own.

They descended upon the subway hoping to raise awareness about the health advantages of breastfeeding and help end the stigma against it.  Ten years ago, a New York City mother was cited for indecent exposure while breastfeeding her baby, which inspired the now annual subway rides.

This was Evelyn Aguirre's first time with the caravan, but she's no stranger to breastfeeding advocacy.

"I teach breastfeeding, I am a trained lactation counselor, I'm a breastfeeding mom."

Aguirre is a mother of four and grandmother of one, and says she thinks breastfeeding has contributed to the health and happiness of her family.

The 14 mile subway ride ended in Bed-Stuy with an award ceremony for Health Commissioner Thomas A. Farley

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