{"id":15067,"date":"2025-08-22T19:21:50","date_gmt":"2025-08-22T23:21:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/?page_id=15067"},"modified":"2025-08-22T19:21:50","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T23:21:50","slug":"central-shenandoah-health-district-every-baby-deserves-the-best-beginning","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/central-shenandoah-health-district-every-baby-deserves-the-best-beginning\/","title":{"rendered":"Central Shenandoah Health District: Every Baby Deserves the Best Beginning"},"content":{"rendered":"

August 21, 2025
\nMedia Contact:<\/strong>\u00a0Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov<\/a><\/u>, 540-480-4998<\/p>\n

Central Shenandoah Health District: Every Baby Deserves the Best Beginning
\n<\/strong>Central Shenandoah Health District Supports Moms During National Breastfeeding Month<\/em><\/p>\n

STAUNTON, Va.\u2013 It\u2019s often referred to as \u201cliquid gold\u201d and during August, National Breastfeeding Month<\/a><\/u>, 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:<\/p>\n

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  1. Breast milk helps build babies\u2019 immune systems <\/a><\/u>which protect them from many chronic and acute illnesses.<\/li>\n
  2. Parents miss fewer days at work<\/a><\/u>\u00a0because breastfed babies are not sick as often.<\/li>\n
  3. Breastmilk is safe, clean<\/a><\/u>\u00a0and 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><\/u>\u00a0gained during pregnancy.<\/li>\n
  5. Breastfeeding promotes bonding. When you breastfeed, your body produces more oxytocin known as the \u201clove hormone<\/a><\/u>.\u201d Its calming and stress-reducing effects enhance feelings of love and well-being.<\/li>\n
  6. Women who breastfeed reduce their risk for breast<\/a><\/u>\u00a0and ovarian<\/a><\/u><\/li>\n
  7. Breastfeeding can save money<\/a><\/u>\u00a0and the planet. It\u2019s natural and eco-friendly<\/a><\/u>.<\/li>\n
  8. Breastmilk changes<\/a><\/u>\u00a0as 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

    \u201cThose of us that work in public health are passionate about breastfeeding, and for good reason,\u201d says Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director for CSHD. \u201cExclusive 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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