August 5, 2024
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, RHHDpr@vdh.virginia.gov or (804) 807-1727
Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Celebrate National Breastfeeding Month in August
RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) celebrate National Breastfeeding Month (NBM) by raising awareness of breastfeeding’s importance and highlighting RHHD program offerings.
“National Breastfeeding Month reminds us of the importance of creating a supportive environment that helps new parents have a positive experience in caring for their babies,” said Richmond Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Coordinator Liz Snead.
RHHD supports breastfeeding parents in a variety of ways. WIC helps expectant parents, mothers, infants, and young children up to age five stay healthy during critical times of growth. Program services include quality nutrition education and counseling; breastfeeding support, services, and supplies; referrals to community partners; and access to prenatal, maternal and pediatric health care services.
WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors serve families before and after the delivery of their infants. Counseling settings include clinics, homes, hospitals, and/or by phone, depending on local program offerings. “Breastfeeding Peer Counselor support helps WIC families meet their infant feeding goals,” says Virginia State Breastfeeding Coordinator Jarene Fleming. “We encourage families to contact us early in pregnancy so they can receive the most benefit.”
RHHD bilingual (English/Spanish) social workers 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. RHHD and its community partners provide wrap-around support to expecting parents and families with young children, whether or not they are able to or choose to breastfeed. Families with questions about breastfeeding can visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/wicbreastfeeding/. For more information on WIC, families and individuals can visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic.
Through the Health Equity Fund, RHHD partners with the St. Luke Legacy Center Foundation and Virginia Prison Birth Project to offer community-based programs for underserved expecting and new parents in Richmond.
The 2024 National Breastfeeding Month theme is Nourish, Sustain, Thrive.
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.
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