Tag: breastfeeding

Central Shenandoah Health District: Every Baby Deserves the Best Beginning

August 21, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District: Every Baby Deserves the Best Beginning
Central Shenandoah Health District Supports Moms During National Breastfeeding Month

STAUNTON, Va.– It’s often referred to as “liquid gold” and during August, National Breastfeeding Month, the Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) is pumping out tips and resources to support new parents and celebrate the benefits of human milk. Here are eight reasons why breastfeeding is beneficial:

  1. Breast milk helps build babies’ immune systems which protect them from many chronic and acute illnesses.
  2. Parents miss fewer days at work because breastfed babies are not sick as often.
  3. Breastmilk is safe, clean and convenient. No bottles to wash and it’s always with you.
  4. Breastfeeding burns extra calories, making it easier to lose weight gained during pregnancy.
  5. 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.
  6. Women who breastfeed reduce their risk for breast and ovarian
  7. Breastfeeding can save money and the planet. It’s natural and eco-friendly.
  8. 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.

“Those of us that work in public health are passionate about breastfeeding, and for good reason,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director for CSHD. “Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is linked to many benefits for mothers and babies alike, and supporting mothers in this endeavor is crucial.”

If you want to breastfeed but have questions, are facing barriers, or just aren’t comfortable – let us support you.  Check out these VDH resources to:

For more information, visit the VDH Breastfeeding Resource Page or contact the Central Shenandoah Health District at cshdinfo@vdh.virginia.gov

Every Baby Deserves the Best Beginning

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:

  1. Breast milk helps build babies’ immune systems which protect them from many chronic and acute illnesses.
  2. Parents miss fewer days at work because breastfed babies are not sick as often.
  3. Breastmilk is safe, clean and convenient. No bottles to wash and it’s always with you.
  4. Breastfeeding burns extra calories, making it easier to lose weight gained during pregnancy.
  1. 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.
  2. Women who breastfeed reduce their risk for breast and ovarian cancer.
  1. Breastfeeding can save money and the planet. It’s natural and eco-friendly.
  2. 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:

For more information, visit the VDH Breastfeeding Resource Page or contact The Chesapeake Health department at 757-382-8631.

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Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Highlight Breastfeeding and Nutrition Support Services

August 6, 2025 

Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov 

 Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Highlight Breastfeeding and Nutrition Support Services
August is National Breastfeeding Month
 

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) highlight breastfeeding and nutrition support services available for pregnant people and new parents. 

“National Breastfeeding Month reminds us that new and expecting parents need support, encouragement and resources as they navigate the challenging first years of a child’s life,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director of Community Programming Margo Webb. “Richmond and Henrico Health Districts provide a variety of support services and connect community partners to families who need them most.”  

The 2025 National Breastfeeding Month theme is Forward Together. 

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) at RHHD helps pregnant people, mothers, infants and young children up to age five stay healthy during critical times of growth. The WIC program offers:  

  • Quality nutrition education and counseling  
  • Breastfeeding support, services and supplies  
  • A healthy food package including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk and more 
  • Referrals to community partners 
  • Access to prenatal, maternal and pediatric health care services 

WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors serve families before and after the delivery of their infants. Peer counselors meet with families in clinics, homes, hospitals and by phone, depending on local program offerings. Families with questions about breastfeeding can visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/wicbreastfeeding/. 

Visit rhhd.gov/wic for more information about services available in Richmond City and Henrico County. Visit fns.usda.gov/wic for more information about the national WIC program. 

RHHD bilingual (English/Spanish) social workers provide maternity case management focused on early access to prenatal care. Henrico County residents can call 804-501-5520 and Richmond City residents can call 804-482-5454 for more information. 

Through the Health Equity Fund, Richmond & Henrico Public Health Foundation partners with Family Lifeline, Virginia Prison Birth Project and Urban Baby Beginnings to offer community-based programs for underserved expecting and new parents in Richmond.  

For more health and safety information, follow RHHD on Instagram at @richmondcity_hd and on Facebook, visit rhhd.gov and sign up for RHHD’s monthly newsletter at rhhd.gov/news. 

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Supporting Moms During National Breastfeeding Month

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:

  1. Breast milk helps build babies’ immune systems which protect them from many chronic and acute illnesses.
  2. Parents miss fewer days at work because breastfed babies are not sick as often.
  3. Breastmilk is safe, clean and convenient. No bottles to wash and it’s always with you.
  1. 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.
  2. Women who breastfeed reduce their risk for breast and ovarian cancer.
  1. Breastfeeding can save money and the planet. It’s natural and eco-friendly.
  2. 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:

For more information, visit the VDH Breastfeeding Resource Page.

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Norfolk WIC Receives USDA Gold Breastfeeding Award; Invites You to Celebrate National Breastfeeding Month

August 19, 2024
Media Contact: Kathy Lamm KathyLamm@vdh.virginia.gov Phone: 757-799-8699

Norfolk WIC Receives USDA Gold Breastfeeding Award; Invites You to Celebrate National Breastfeeding Month

NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk Department of Public Health is delighted to announce that its Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program has been awarded the prestigious USDA 2024 WIC Breastfeeding Award of Excellence for Exemplary Breastfeeding Support and Practices.

This award is given to WIC programs that exhibit a strong commitment to improving breastfeeding practices and providing high-quality support services. Norfolk WIC was awarded one of only two WIC Gold Awards in Virginia.

In celebration of this significant accomplishment and to honor National Breastfeeding Month, Norfolk WIC invites you to a special event on August 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the WIC Park Place office located at 606 W 29th St. in Norfolk.

This event is designed to support and celebrate the journey of breastfeeding. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with lactation professionals, gain valuable breastfeeding education, and access a variety of resources for pregnancy and lactation. There will also be exciting giveaways and much more!

Event Details:
Date: August 30
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: WIC Park Place Office, 606 W 29th St, Norfolk
RSVP: Click to Register (FREE)

“This event is a great way to bring our community together to celebrate and support breastfeeding,” said Denise Williams of Norfolk WIC. “We are committed to providing the necessary resources and education to help parents on their breastfeeding journey.”

Join us for a day of learning, support, and celebration. Norfolk WIC is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of mothers and children through education and resources.

For more information about the USDA Gold Breastfeeding Award, National Breastfeeding Month event, or the Norfolk WIC Program’s breastfeeding support services, please visit NorfolkPublicHealth.com, call (757) 683-2792 or email norfolkwic@vdh.gov.

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Chesapeake WIC Receives USDA Gold Breastfeeding Award  

August 8, 2024
Media Contact:  Kimi Stevens, Public Relations Coordinator, kimi.stevens@vdh.virginia.gov or (757) 382-8650

Chesapeake WIC Receives USDA Gold Breastfeeding Award  

CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Chesapeake WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is honored to have received the USDA 2024 WIC Breastfeeding Award of Excellence for Exemplary Breastfeeding Support and Practices, one of only two WIC Gold Awards in Virginia and the second consecutive award for Chesapeake WIC.  The Norfolk Department of Public Health WIC Program also received the USDA WIC 2024 Gold Award. WIC is a federally funded nutrition education program supported by the Virginia Department of Health.

The goal of Virginia WIC is to improve the health of pregnant women, infants, and children through better nutrition and access to healthcare. The program provides nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and support, supplemental nutritious foods, and counseling at WIC clinics, as well as screening and referrals to other health, welfare, and social services. To be eligible for the WIC Program, applicants must meet categorical, residential, income, and nutrition risk requirements.

Chesapeake Health Department Director Nancy Welch, MD is a staunch supporter of the program and WIC staff.

“Excellence doesn’t happen by accident,” said Dr. Welch. “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.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture established the WIC Breastfeeding Award of Excellence program to recognize local WIC agencies providing exemplary breastfeeding promotion and support activities. The goal is to help local agencies and clinics to strengthen their breastfeeding promotion and support activities and ultimately increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates among WIC participants. Awards are valid for four years.

Chesapeake WIC will recognize World Breastfeeding Week at the Chesapeake Health Department with a client celebration Friday, August 9, from 12 to 3 p.m.

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Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Celebrate National Breastfeeding Month in August

August 5, 2024
Media Contact:  Bryan Hooten, RHHDpr@vdh.virginia.gov or (804) 807-1727

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Celebrate National Breastfeeding Month in August

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) celebrate National Breastfeeding Month (NBM) by raising awareness of breastfeeding’s importance and highlighting RHHD program offerings.

“National Breastfeeding Month reminds us of the importance of creating a supportive environment that helps new parents have a positive experience in caring for their babies,” said Richmond Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Coordinator Liz Snead.

RHHD supports breastfeeding parents in a variety of ways. WIC helps expectant parents, mothers, infants, and young children up to age five stay healthy during critical times of growth. Program services include quality nutrition education and counseling; breastfeeding support, services, and supplies; referrals to community partners; and access to prenatal, maternal and pediatric health care services.

WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors serve families before and after the delivery of their infants. Counseling settings include clinics, homes, hospitals, and/or by phone, depending on local program offerings. “Breastfeeding Peer Counselor support helps WIC families meet their infant feeding goals,” says Virginia State Breastfeeding Coordinator Jarene Fleming. “We encourage families to contact us early in pregnancy so they can receive the most benefit.”

RHHD bilingual (English/Spanish) social workers provide maternity case management focused on early access to prenatal care. Henrico County residents can call (804) 501-5520, and Richmond City residents can call (804) 482-5454 for more information. RHHD and its community partners provide wrap-around support to expecting parents and families with young children, whether or not they are able to or choose to breastfeed. Families with questions about breastfeeding can visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/wicbreastfeeding/. For more information on WIC, families and individuals can visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic.

Through the Health Equity Fund, RHHD partners with the St. Luke Legacy Center Foundation and Virginia Prison Birth Project to offer community-based programs for underserved expecting and new parents in Richmond.
The 2024 National Breastfeeding Month theme is Nourish, Sustain, Thrive.

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are sister public health agencies serving our connected communities. Our mission is to protect health, champion equity, and partner to address local needs.

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