{"id":14826,"date":"2025-08-06T16:01:29","date_gmt":"2025-08-06T20:01:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/?page_id=14826"},"modified":"2025-08-06T16:01:44","modified_gmt":"2025-08-06T20:01:44","slug":"14826-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/public-relations-contacts\/archived-news-releases\/2025-news-releases\/14826-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Every Baby Deserves the Best Beginning"},"content":{"rendered":"

August 6, 2025
\nMedia Contact<\/strong>: <\/strong>Kimi Stevens, kimi.stevens@vdh.virginia.gov<\/p>\n

Every Baby Deserves the Best Beginning
\n<\/strong>The Chesapeake Health Department Supports Moms During National Breastfeeding Month<\/em><\/p>\n

Chesapeake, Va.\u2013 It\u2019s often referred to as \u201cliquid gold\u201d and during August, National Breastfeeding Month<\/a>, the Chesapeake Health Department is pumping out tips and resources to support new parents and celebrate the benefits of human milk.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Here are eight reasons why breastfeeding is beneficial:<\/p>\n

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  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
  4. Breastfeeding burns extra calories, making it easier to lose weight<\/a> gained during pregnancy.<\/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

        Chesapeake Health Department Director, Dr. Nancy Welch, is a staunch supporter of the program and WIC staff. \u201cExcellence doesn\u2019t 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

        If you want to breastfeed but have questions, are facing barriers or just aren\u2019t comfortable – let us support you.\u00a0 VDH has lots of resources including:<\/p>\n