A beneficial walk

      It's one thing to speak about the benefits of breastfeeding from grandstands; it's another to discuss all its nuances informally with other mothers—both expectant and already experienced. For example, during a walk in the park.

      The "Mama-walk" was invented by Anastasia Shirokova, a breastfeeding consultant and head of the "Happiness in Motion" association at the Sputnik Youth Center. Last Thursday the meeting was traditionally held in Duck Lake Park and was timed to coincide with World Breastfeeding Week.

      "The first time we held an event aimed at supporting breastfeeding was in 2011," Anastasia recalls. "Back then there were only four of us. Accompanied by an ambulance and the police, we solemnly marched from Dzerzhinsky Square to the shopping center, carrying babies in slings and pushing them in strollers."

      Over fourteen years the form of the event changed, but not its content. It's not a mere declaration about the importance of breastfeeding (BF), but an enjoyable pastime in the company of like-minded women. Thus, about six years ago the "Mama-walk" was born.

      "It's important for pregnant women to talk with those who already have children," Anastasia is sure. "Many young women, when their first child is born, are somewhat in shock: they don't know what to do with the baby or how to care for them. Including how to latch properly. As a practicing breastfeeding consultant I see that very often there are no physical problems with either the mother or the child. The reason is a lack of information."

      Eliminating this lack is the goal of the "Mama-walk." In the "women's circle" the secrets of proper feeding were revealed, and the importance of breast milk was discussed. After all, every drop of it is more than nutrition: it is immunity for many years, it is the close bond between mother and baby. In addition, meeting participants drew "supportive hands" and pulled cards with wishes. For expectant mothers—mehndi on their bellies.

      "Formula for everyone, and my milk for my child," voiced the common opinion, said mother Svetlana.

      "Each year the number of mothers who want to give their child the best and to receive the most up-to-date information increases. Therefore I note a growth in the number of participants both at such events and at my classes. My team at the youth center and I will certainly come up with formats for meetings at any time of year," Anastasia Shirokova summed up.

      Anastasia Blagushina. Photo by Kirill Martynov

      More news about the event:

      Beneficial walk

      It's one thing to speak about the benefits of breastfeeding from high platforms, another to discuss all its nuances in an informal setting with other mothers — expectant and already experienced. 18:23 16.08.2025 Dzerzhinsk Vedomosti - Dzerzhinsk

      "Mama-walk": how 4 women with children in slings reached the park under the protection of an ambulance and the police

      17:31 August 16 News Service

      Breastfeeding secrets among like-minded women

      Discussion of the nuances of breastfeeding in an informal setting with other mothers, both expectant and already experienced, 17:59 16.08.2025 ProDzer.Ru - Dzerzhinsk

      News from neighboring regions on the topic:

      More than 100 participants attended the Breastfeeding Festival in Balashikha

      The Breastfeeding Festival, timed to coincide with World Breastfeeding Support Week, took place on the grounds of the Moscow Regional Perinatal Center in the Balashikha urban district, 13:01 15.08.2025 United Russia - Balashikha

      Popularizing breastfeeding

      Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure a child's health and survival. 10:20 15.08.2025 Selskaya Nov newspaper - Khabarovsk