Event to be held in Ashland for new families, moms for National Breastfeeding Month

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- August is National Breastfeeding Month, and the Chickahominy Health District's Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program is celebrating with a special event in Ashland for new families and moms.

The event will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ashland Branch Library, located at 201 S. Railroad Ave. in Ashland.

“Come out and let us celebrate you at the Ashland Branch Library, where we’ll 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," said Toccara Wilson, Chickahominy Health District's peer counselor. "Whether you’ve been breastfeeding for less than two weeks or more than two years, we’d like to acknowledge and encourage you."

The Chickahominy Health District lists a few benefits of breastfeeding:

• Breast milk helps build babies' immune system which can protect them from chronic and acute illnesses.
• Women who breastfeed reduce their risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
• Breastfeeding promotes bonding: When you breastfeed, the body produces more oxytocin, known as the "love hormone," and has stress-reducing effects.
• Breastmilk is safe, clean and convenient, with no bottles required.
• Breastfeeding can save money and is eco-friendly.
• Breastmilk changes as your baby grows to meet their nutritional and developmental needs.
• Breastfed babies are reportedly less likely to get sick.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) recommends that 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," VDH said in a release.

The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) officially declared August as National Breastfeeding Month in 2011. This year's theme is "Forward Together," which focuses on unity, solidarity and hope.

RHHD offers breastfeeding, nutrition support services for National Breastfeeding Month

Visit VDH's website here to find a breastfeeding-friendly birth center near you, or here for resources.