Wic Provides Support For Breastfeeding Mothers In Cumberland Plateau

October 18, 2011

(LEBANON, Va.) — A wonderful resource is now available to pregnant women and mothers in the Cumberland Plateau Health District who are currently breastfeeding, or who plan to do so upon their baby’s arrival. The WIC Program, which stands for Women, Infants and Children, will host meetings for a Breastfeeding Support Group later this month in Dickenson and Russell counties. Similar programs were held earlier in October in Buchanan and Tazewell counties.

Breastfeeding offers many benefits to children including a lower risk of childhood obesity, fewer respiratory infections and a lower risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Mothers also receive benefits from breastfeeding such as a lower risk of health problems like breast and ovarian cancer and the assurance that your breast milk contains the precise amount of nutrients your baby needs. Each county will have a group meeting once a month, headed by Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Sandra Ramsey. These group meetings are open to any woman who is currently breastfeeding or who desires to do so.

Some of the topics covered in these groups will include the benefits of breastfeeding to mother and child, techniques for positioning and latching on and answers to questions that may arise for breastfeeding mothers. The group setting will allow mothers the opportunity to have a support system and forum with other mothers who have like experiences with breastfeeding.

The Russell County Health Department will host the Breastfeeding Support Group on Wednesday, October 19 at 1 p.m. at the Russell County Public Library, 248 W. Main St. in Lebanon, Va.

The Dickenson County Health Department will host the Breastfeeding Support Group on Friday, October 28 at 1 p.m. at People Incorporated, 5709 Dickenson Hwy. in Clintwood, Va.

Please help us increase awareness of the many benefits of choosing breastfeeding for the health of both mother and baby. For more information on the Breastfeeding Support Group, please call WIC Coordinator Jessica Bandy at 276-988-5585, ext. 116.