Support Crucial to Breastfeeding Mothers and Their Babies

When Rachel Thornton initially signed up for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program in West Virginia, she was the only known breastfeeding participant in her county. But looking back at her experience nearly nine years later, Rachel said she never felt alone.

"Thanks to the support of WIC and their caring staff, I always had someone in my corner," said Rachel, who works today as a breastfeeding peer at Gallia County WIC in southeast Ohio.

August is National Breastfeeding Month, and the first week, Aug. 1-7, is World Breastfeeding Week, a global campaign by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action to raise awareness and galvanize action on themes related to breastfeeding.

Rachel breastfed both her children for a combined 44 months, giving her babies what health experts agree is the optimal source of nutrition for most infants. She said it was the support she received from WIC, family, friends, healthcare providers, and others that encouraged her to "push through the tough parts and stay the course."

"My journey drives the way I support other parents today," she said.

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH), in alignment with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced. Breastfeeding can continue for two years or longer as mutually desired by mother and child.

At Ohio WIC, support for breastfeeding mothers is a priority. Every Ohio county has WIC staff for breastfeeding support and education, which often includes breastfeeding peers like Rachel.

"Support from others during a mother's breastfeeding journey is essential to the experience," said Meagan Richardson, Ohio WIC's breastfeeding coordinator. "When support is present from a partner, family, friends, and/or a healthcare professional, the chances of starting and continuing breastfeeding is increased."

All WIC staff in Ohio are trained to promote breastfeeding and provide the support breastfeeding mothers and babies need for success. Other support services WIC offers include:

• Anticipatory guidance, counseling, and breastfeeding educational materials.
• A greater quantity and variety of nutritional foods.
• Longer participation in the program.
• Breastfeeding aids such as breast pumps and breast shells.
• Breastfeeding classes and support groups.
• Breastfeeding Awareness Month events.
• Referrals for breastfeeding challenges that fall outside the scope of the WIC clinic.

Ohio also has a free, 24/7 Breastfeeding Support Hotline, which is staffed by live, trained lactation professionals. Call (888) 588-3423 or text BFHOTLINE to 839863 for this service.

The Ohio Department of Health Breastfeeding webpage has invaluable information to support a mother's breastfeeding journey.

"Breastfeeding moms need the support of those around them so they can focus on feeding and nurturing their infants," said Ohio WIC Director Amy Alwood. "Someone must help take care of mom so she can take care of baby!"

Amy said family members and friends can help by providing meals and water, running errands or changing the baby, doing laundry or other household chores, or offering to hold the baby while a mom takes care of her own needs. She said communities can show their support by offering welcoming spaces for mothers to breastfeed. (Ohio law permits mothers to breastfeed their babies in any public location where they are otherwise permitted to be, including restaurants, stores, and other public spaces.)

"Each layer of support allows mom to become more comfortable and confident in her feeding decisions and ensures baby is provided the optimal nutrition that breastfeeding provides," Amy said.

For more information:

Pictured below: Rachel Thornton, breastfeeding peer, Gallia County WIC