World Breastfeeding Week starts on Thursday and Rowan County Public Health is proud to join the global community in celebrating it.

This year’s theme, “Closing the Gap: Breastfeed Support for All,” underscores the critical need to provide comprehensive support for breastfeeding mothers and their families.

A release from Community Health Manager/Healthy Rowan Executive Director Courtney Meece expanded on the benefits posed to mothers and infants when breastfeeding efforts are successful.

“Breastfeeding is a fundamental aspect of public health, offering numerous benefits for both infants and mothers,” the release said. “It provides optimal nutrition, strengthens the immune system and fosters a strong bond between mother and child. For mothers, breastfeeding reduces the risk of certain cancers, aids in postpartum recovery and contributes to overall well-being. Despite these advantages, many families face significant barriers to successful breastfeeding.”

According to the release, Rowan County Public Health is committed to addressing those challenges through a variety of programs and services, including the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. WIC provides essential resources and support for breastfeeding mothers, including nutrition education, breastfeeding counseling and access to healthy foods.

“Our breastfeeding consultant and peer counselor are dedicated to empowering mothers with the knowledge and skills they need to breastfeed successfully,” the release said.

The objectives of this year’s World Breastfeeding Week campaign are:

• Inform: Raise awareness about the inequalities that exist in breastfeeding support and prevalence.
• Anchor: Establish breastfeeding as a vital practice that can help close societal gaps.
• Galvanize: Encourage actions aimed at reducing inequalities in breastfeeding support, particularly focusing on vulnerable groups.
• Engage: Foster collaboration and support for breastfeeding among individuals and organizations.

Throughout World Breastfeeding Week, Rowan County Public Health will host a series of social media posts to highlight breastfeeding tips, success stories and the benefits of breastfeeding.

All community members are invited to participate in World Breastfeeding Week and join in to celebrate the importance of breastfeeding. Together, we can create a supportive environment that empowers mothers and promotes the health of our youngest residents.

For more information about WIC services, contact Rowan County Public Health at 704-216-8797 or go to www.rowancountync.gov/329/Women-Infants-Children-WIC .