Why Breastfeeding Matters in West Virginia
Human milk is best for human babies. Breast milk has a range of positive effects on child development and infant health as well as the mother’ physical and mental health. Research has proven time and time again when mothers provide breastmilk for their babies everyone benefits.
700+
Moms utilized the nursing mother’s stations at the 2024 WV State Fair, provided by WVBf
350+
Individuals trained (153 Certified Breastfeeding Specialist and nearly 200 took the Outpatient Breastfeeding Champion course since 2021)
7
WV hospitals participating in the CHAMPS National Initiative, improving maternity care and infant feeding practices
Who We Are
A project of the WV Perinatal Partnership, we are the coordinating body for breastfeeding promotion and support in the state. WV Breastfeeding encompasses both the WV Breastfeeding Institute, our policy-focused organization, and the WV Breastfeeding Alliance, our member coalition.
How Can We Help You?
We are Making a Difference
WV Breastfeeding has made measurable impacts on breastfeeding rates (9%+ growth between 2010-2021), lactation education (300+ trained since 2021) and hospital designations (83% of births occur in Baby-Friendly or CHAMPS hospitals).
In the United States, one of the barriers of breastfeeding is often lack of knowledge. Many mothers may not have sufficient information about the benefits & mechanics of breastfeeding, including proper latching techniques & addressing common problems.
Families may also have a ...difficult time finding lactation support near them.
In these situations, we often refer families to ZipMilk.
ZipMilk is a website to find lactation support near you based on your zip code.
Enter your zip code to find support near you. The breastfeeding resources for each state are kept current by those who know them best.
zipmilk.org
Finding a nursing position that works best for you is key to a successful breastfeeding journey.
And sometimes… it’s not always the first one you try. You may have to try two, or five to find what works for you & your baby.
Which was your favorite?
Finding a nursing position that works best for you is key to a successful breastfeeding journey.
And sometimes… it’s not always the first one you try. You may have to try two, or five to find what works for you & your baby.
Which was your favorite?
Did you know breastmilk has superpowers?
Of course you did. 😉
Along with antibodies, breastmilk also contains sugars, proteins, fats & white blood cells that help fight sickness.
Other elements in breastmilk are lactoferrin and interleukin-6, -8 and -10, proteins ...that help moderate the inflammatory response that happens when your immune system encounters a threat—for example, a virus or bacterial infection.
The more you know! 💡
#NationalBreastfeedingMonth
#wvbreastfeeds
#breastfeedingsupport
What an inspirational story! And, YES we hear you- there is still much work to do with Medicaid and commercial insurance payers!