August 6, 2025
Media Contact: Kimi Stevens, kimi.stevens@vdh.virginia.gov
Every Baby Deserves the Best Beginning
The Chesapeake Health Department Supports Moms During National Breastfeeding Month
Chesapeake, Va.– It’s often referred to as “liquid gold” and during August, National Breastfeeding Month, the Chesapeake Health Department is pumping out tips and resources to support new parents and celebrate the benefits of human milk.
Two-time Breastfeeding Gold Award and 2024 WIC Department of the Year recipients, Chesapeake WIC, will celebrate Friday, August 8, from noon to 3:00 p.m. at the Chesapeake Health Department, 748 Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake. WIC families will enjoy games, giveaways, lactation consultants, and a stroller parade.
Here are eight reasons why breastfeeding is beneficial:
- Breast milk helps build babies’ immune systems which protect them from many chronic and acute illnesses.
- Parents miss fewer days at work because breastfed babies are not sick as often.
- Breastmilk is safe, clean and convenient. No bottles to wash and it’s always with you.
- Breastfeeding burns extra calories, making it easier to lose weight gained during pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding promotes bonding. When you breastfeed, your body produces more oxytocin known as the “love hormone.” Its calming and stress-reducing effects enhance feelings of love and well-being.
- Women who breastfeed reduce their risk for breast and ovarian cancer.
- Breastfeeding can save money and the planet. It’s natural and eco-friendly.
- Breastmilk changes as your baby grows to meet their nutritional and developmental needs, making it the perfect food.
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) recommends infants be breastfed for the first six months of life, with gradual introduction of solid foods at six months. Infants can continue to be breastfed for the first year of life and thereafter as long as mom and baby desire.
Chesapeake Health Department Director, Dr. Nancy Welch, is a staunch supporter of the program and WIC staff. “Excellence doesn’t happen by accident. The well-earned recognition of our Chesapeake WIC staff exemplifies the very definition of public health as a community value. We are here to serve.”
If you want to breastfeed but have questions, are facing barriers or just aren’t comfortable – let us support you. VDH has lots of resources including:
- Find a breastfeeding friendly birth center near you.
- Enroll with Virginia WIC and/or schedule an appointment with the Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program.
- Learn about your lactating rights at work at Talking to Your Boss about Your Pump.
- Print a “Breastfeeding Law” card. You can carry the card with you to show anyone in public that breastfeeding isn’t just a choice, it’s your legal right as a parent in Virginia to provide your baby with the best beginning possible.
For more information, visit the VDH Breastfeeding Resource Page or contact The Chesapeake Health department at 757-382-8631.
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