{"id":14807,"date":"2025-08-06T13:55:12","date_gmt":"2025-08-06T17:55:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/?page_id=14807"},"modified":"2025-08-06T13:55:12","modified_gmt":"2025-08-06T17:55:12","slug":"supporting-moms-during-national-breastfeeding-month","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/public-relations-contacts\/archived-news-releases\/2025-regional-news-releases\/supporting-moms-during-national-breastfeeding-month\/","title":{"rendered":"Supporting Moms During National Breastfeeding Month"},"content":{"rendered":"

August 6, 2025<\/p>\n

Media Contact<\/strong>: <\/strong>Caitlin Hodge, Caitlin.Hodge@vdh.virginia.gov<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Supporting Moms During National Breastfeeding Month
\n<\/strong>Chickahominy Health District to Celebrate with a Special Event in Ashland<\/em><\/p>\n

ASHLAND, Va.\u2013 It\u2019s often referred to as \u201cliquid gold\u201d and during August 2025, National Breastfeeding Month<\/a>, the Chickahominy Health District\u2019s 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!<\/p>\n

\u201cHappy Breastfeeding Month from your local WIC team\u201d said Toccara Wilson, the health district\u2019s Breastfeeding Peer Counselor. \u201cCome out and let us celebrate you at the Ashland Branch Library where we\u2019ll 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\u2019ve been breastfeeding for less than two weeks or more than two years, we\u2019d like to acknowledge and encourage you!\u201d<\/p>\n

When: Wednesday, August 13, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.<\/p>\n

Where: Ashland Branch Library, 201 S. Railroad Ave, Ashland, VA 23005<\/p>\n

A few reasons why breastfeeding is beneficial:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Breast milk helps build babies\u2019 immune systems <\/a>which protect them from many chronic and acute illnesses.<\/li>\n
  2. Parents miss fewer days at work<\/a> because breastfed babies are not sick as often.<\/li>\n
  3. Breastmilk is safe, clean<\/a> and convenient. No bottles to wash and it\u2019s always with you.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
      \n
    1. Breastfeeding promotes bonding. When you breastfeed, your body produces more oxytocin known as the \u201clove hormone<\/a>.\u201d Its calming and stress-reducing effects enhance feelings of love and well-being.<\/li>\n
    2. Women who breastfeed reduce their risk for breast <\/a>and ovarian<\/a> cancer.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
        \n
      1. Breastfeeding can save money<\/a> and the planet. It\u2019s natural and eco-friendly<\/a>.<\/li>\n
      2. Breastmilk changes<\/a> as your baby grows to meet their nutritional and developmental needs, making it the perfect food.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        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.<\/p>\n

        If you want to breastfeed but have questions, are facing barriers, or just aren\u2019t comfortable \u2013 there is support.\u00a0 Check out these VDH resources:<\/p>\n