August 6, 2025
Media Contact: Caitlin Hodge, Caitlin.Hodge@vdh.virginia.gov
Supporting Moms During National Breastfeeding Month
Chickahominy Health District to Celebrate with a Special Event in Ashland
ASHLAND, Va.– It’s often referred to as “liquid gold” and during August 2025, National Breastfeeding Month, the Chickahominy Health District’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is pumping out tips and resources to support new parents and celebrate the benefits of breastfeeding for mom and baby!
“Happy Breastfeeding Month from your local WIC team” said Toccara Wilson, the health district’s Breastfeeding Peer Counselor. “Come out and let us celebrate you at the Ashland Branch Library where we’ll be offering free breastfeeding resources. Our skilled staff will be available to answer questions, assist with positioning, and help you plan for returning to school or work. Whether you’ve been breastfeeding for less than two weeks or more than two years, we’d like to acknowledge and encourage you!”
When: Wednesday, August 13, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Ashland Branch Library, 201 S. Railroad Ave, Ashland, VA 23005
A few 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 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.
If you want to breastfeed but have questions, are facing barriers, or just aren’t comfortable – there is support. Check out these VDH resources:
- 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.
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