It’s World Breastfeeding Week! This is a week we can all celebrate, because it impacts our whole community. Many people may think of breastfeeding as a “mom thing,” but breastfeeding is a public health issue that deserves recognition and investment on all levels. Many studies on the public health impact of breastfeeding show there is a wide range of short-term and long-term health benefits for both breastfed baby and breastfeeding mother that have been well documented. Studies also discuss the health and economic costs on the infant, the family, and society when breastfeeding rates are lower.

We understand some moms struggle with breastfeeding, and that is OK. But if the struggle is based on a barrier that can be eliminated as a community, it is beneficial for everybody to eliminate it. Examples of eliminating barriers could be educating somebody on how to support their spouse or partner who is breastfeeding, allowing spaces in our community for moms to feel safe and comfortable breastfeeding, creating policies that help mothers who are returning to work continue to breastfeed, or finding any other way to make breastfeeding the easiest choice possible.

One of the most important ways Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) is supporting breastfeeding is through our Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) nutrition program. This program not only offers assistance for purchasing nutritious food, but also provides free breastfeeding support to those who qualify for the program. Breastfeeding can be very challenging depending on a mother and baby’s circumstances. Connecting to somebody who understands the issues a breastfeeding mom faces can create a positive experience and a healthier mom and baby.

If you or somebody you know is planning on breastfeeding or is currently needing support with breastfeeding, a WIC representative would love to speak to you. You can visit our WIC Program website or call 509.324.1620 to get information about the program and whether you would qualify. If you do not qualify for the program, a WIC team member can help direct you to other community breastfeeding support services.

We’ve all heard the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” The team at SRHD is proud to be a part of that village, and we invite you to join us. Healthier moms and babies mean a healthier community for everybody.