MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile County Health Department is observing National Breastfeeding Month throughout August, joining health agencies nationwide in promoting breastfeeding education and support for local families.
This year’s national theme, “RISE: Resilience, Interdependence, Self-Determination, Empowerment,” is meant to highlight the challenges many mothers face while breastfeeding and the community resources available to help them succeed.
Virginia Stabler, who directs the health department’s WIC program, said supporting breastfeeding families is central to the agency’s mission.
“Mobile County’s WIC Program is committed to both empowering mothers to provide the best breastmilk for their babies and providing breastfeeding support for families through our breastfeeding peer counseling program, nutrition education and supplemental foods,” Stabler said.
As part of the observance, the health department has relaunched its “Lactation Circle” support group, which is overseen by breastfeeding coordinator LaDina Hudson along with three peer counselors: Andrea Portis, Terilyn Hodges and Nafeesah As-Salafeeyah. The team works directly with families to address milk supply concerns and other common breastfeeding challenges.
The department has several events planned throughout the month. A “Paint and Pump” expo, combining a painting activity with breastfeeding education, is scheduled for Aug. 8 at Keeler Auditorium. Educational booths will also be set up at four MCHD clinic locations during mid-to-late August to provide information and resources to WIC participants and the wider community.
The WIC program, short for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support and supplemental foods to income-eligible pregnant women, new mothers and young children across Mobile County.
Residents interested in breastfeeding support services or the August events can contact the Mobile County Health Department’s WIC program for more information.