National Breastfeeding Month is observed every August to raise awareness about the health benefits of breastfeeding, highlight the importance of community and workplace support, and promote health equity for nursing families. This year’s theme is Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.
“All parents with young children should have access to skilled breastfeeding counseling and support from their health facilities, workplaces, and communities,” said Caroline Evans, Director of Garrett County WIC. “We are committed to being part of parents’ support systems by providing free phone, virtual, and in-person services.”
Breastfeeding peer counseling is a free peer support service offered through local Maryland WIC clinics that connect pregnant and new mothers with experienced mothers. These counselors offer personalized lactation education, basic latch and positioning help, and guidance on pumping or returning to work.
Breastfeeding is the normal way to feed a baby. A mother’s milk has all the ingredients in the right amounts to give a baby a healthy start, and it is always ready and easy to digest. Nursing helps mothers relax and feel close to their baby.
The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages families to provide only mother’s milk for the first 6 months and to continue to mother’s milk while giving other foods for at least 2 years and beyond, as long as desired by both mother and infant/child.
Breastfeeding provides many health benefits for both the child and the mother.
- Protects babies from infections and illnesses, including diarrhea, ear infections and pneumonia
- Breastfed babies are less likely to develop asthma
- Children who are breastfed for six months are less likely to become obese
- Reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Mothers who breastfeed have a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers
For more information about breastfeeding, or the important ways WIC can help families with this process, call Garrett County WIC at 301-334-7710.
