August is National Breastfeeding Month

Each August Garrett County WIC (Women, Infants and Children’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program) joins the rest of the nation in celebrating National Breastfeeding Month, as well as joining the rest of the world in celebrating World Breastfeeding Week the first week of August. This year’s theme is Breastfeeding: Foundation of Life.

“There is overwhelming evidence on both the short and long-term benefits of breastfeeding for both infants and moms,” said Carol Bass, WIC Director and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) at the Garrett County Health Department. “WIC supports moms in their exploration of choosing to breastfeed as a foundation for health for their children and provides services to help them be successful in realizing their personal goals by providing prenatal and postnatal education and ongoing support after the baby is born.”

WIC’s staff includes two IBCLCs to assist moms in planning for feeding their babies. These consultants provide individualized assistance, pumps for special needs and returning to work, and anticipatory guidance to help moms meet their goals. Their services also include free weight checks for the baby, help with problem resolution, and referrals.

“Studies have shown that while a majority of moms initially breastfeed, far fewer are able to meet their goals on both exclusive breastfeeding and duration,” said Tracy Savage, an IBCLC with WIC. “Our main focus in WIC is helping moms explore their personal goals, and providing accurate information, tailored support and encouragement to help them meet those goals.”

“Garrett County currently is a leader in the state in rates of exclusive breastfeeding among WIC participants,” Bass said. “But we still know that moms of our families struggle to achieve duration goals for their families.”

In addition to providing breastfeeding support, WIC provides nutritious supplemental foods, health screening, nutrition education, and referrals to other services as needed. Breastfeeding families receive the highest monthly food benefit dollar amount of any participant category in WIC.

A USDA film about community support and integration recently featured the Garrett County WIC staff. For more information call the WIC Program at 301-334-7710 or 301-895-3111.

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department

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