FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 3, 2026
\nMedia Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov<\/p>\n
Aug. 1-7 is WIC National Breastfeeding Week<\/p>\n
RICHMOND, Va.<\/strong> \u2013 Feeding and nourishing an infant can deepen feelings of love and connection. Many parents also experience challenges when learning to care for the nutritional needs of their child. For new parents, challenges such as returning to work, concerns about feeding their baby, or lack of support can add stress to an already difficult time. Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) support pregnant people and new parents through breastfeeding and nutrition services.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile breastfeeding can be a natural and beautiful experience for parents and children, it is also a learning process,\u201d said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts\u2019 Director of Community Programming, Margo Webb. \u201cRHHD provides ongoing connection, encouragement, and resources to breastfeeding families during the first years of their child\u2019s life.\u201d<\/p>\n The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) recommends that infants be breastfed exclusively for the first six months of life whenever possible, with a gradual introduction of solid foods. VDH also recommends that infants continue to be breastfed for the first two years of life and thereafter as long as mutually desired.<\/p>\n 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:<\/p>\n 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 the VDH WIC Breastfeeding page.<\/p>\n All families must meet income eligibility guidelines to qualify for WIC benefits. Families who receive SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF are automatically income-eligible for WIC.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Virginia law supports breastfeeding parents. Virginia has public breastfeeding laws that protect you in public spaces and on the job. Learn about your rights as a lactating employee at Talking to Your Boss about Your Pump.<\/p>\n RHHD bilingual (English and Spanish) social workers and registered nurses 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.<\/p>\n For more breastfeeding information, visit the VDH Breastfeeding Resource Page .Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook.<\/p>\n # # #<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 3, 2026 Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov Aug. 1-7 is WIC National Breastfeeding Week RICHMOND, Va. \u2013 Feeding and nourishing an infant can deepen feelings […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":590,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"no","footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-24952","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-pr"],"modified_by":"bryanhooten","yoast_head":"\nNutritional support through WIC<\/h2>\n
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Virginia breastfeeding law<\/h2>\n
Maternity Navigation<\/h2>\n